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ZAHIED T. MOHAMMED

A R T I S T / P H O T O G R A P H E R

***Silver Lining***

96" x 26"

Poem "Silver Lining"

Artist's Biography

 

My journey as an artist did not begin in a studio or classroom - it began as a response to personal adversity and a search for healing. I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and in 1994, I immigrated to the United States with the hope of building a better life, guided by the promise of opportunity and the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.

 

For many years, I followed a traditional path through education and employment. However, my life took an unexpected turn when I lost my job, not because of my performance, but due to circumstances beyond my control. That experience was deeply destabilizing and forced me to confront profound questions about identity, purpose, and belonging.

 

In the quiet and uncertain space that followed, I turned to art - not as a pastime, but as a lifeline. With no formal training, I began to paint as an instinctive act of expression. Over time, I discovered that both art and writing were not merely emotional outlets, but essential tools for healing and self-reclamation. They gave me a voice when I felt voiceless and a renewed sense of direction when I felt lost.

 

Each piece I create is grounded in lived experience. My practice is autobiographical, emotionally driven, and rooted in truth. Through my art, I explore the complexities of migration, identity, injustice, and resilience. In reclaiming my own narrative, I’ve found purpose in creating work that resonates with others - particularly those who have experienced marginalization, displacement, or silencing.

 

Over the years, I’ve witnessed how people connect with the emotional honesty of my work, and that connection has become central to my practice. My intention is to create art that uplifts, fosters empathy, and affirms our shared human dignity. I believe that everyone—regardless of appearance, origin, gender, religion, or background - deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.

 

Art, for me, is a bridge: it invites reflection, breaks down barriers, and reminds us of our shared humanity. Though my journey has been marked by struggle, it has shaped my voice and deepened my commitment to authenticity. Today, I continue to evolve as both an artist and an individual guided by the belief that creativity can be a force for healing, connection, and meaningful change.

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