When Zohran Mamdani announced his victory over Andrew Cuomo, Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-American multimedia artist whose work frequently has pro-Palestinian themes, joined him on stage. Many were taken aback when the 33-year-old member of the New York State Assembly defeated the former governor to win the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. Rama Duwaji
Duwaji posted the poignant four-word statement, “Couldn’t be prouder,” on Instagram on election day. It was straightforward yet emotional, and it said a lot. Duwaji, who was only 27 years old, quietly stood by her husband’s side as he declared victory. Mamdani took a moment during his speech to acknowledge his amazing wife, stating, “I have to thank her.” Before giving her hand a gentle kiss, I said, “Thank you, Rama.”
Mamdani would become the first Muslim mayor of New York City, and Rama Duwaji would become the city’s first lady if he wins the November election against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa. Rama Duwaji
“Art Is Political by Nature”
Duwaji doesn’t shy away from challenging subjects in his art. Identity, resistance, and injustice are frequently explored in her artwork, particularly from a pro-Palestinian perspective. She was asked if artists have an obligation to raise awareness of global issues during an interview earlier this year regarding the relationship between art and activism. She quoted Nina Simone, emphasising that an artist’s true responsibility is to mirror the world around them. Rama Duwaji
“I think it’s everyone’s duty to speak out against injustice,” she continued. “Art has the ability to disseminate that message so effectively. While not everyone must create political art, the process of creating, acquiring, and disseminating art is inherently political. For me, even making art as a way to escape the atrocities we witness is a political act; it’s a reaction to the reality we live in.
Duwaji, who currently resides in Brooklyn, has experience working with some of the most prominent companies in the world. The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and Tate Modern in London are among her clients, according to the Associated Press.
A Contemporary Romance That Began on the Hinge
Duwaji’s mother-in-law, filmmaker Mira Nair, shared a tribute on election day, praising her daughter-in-law’s work and its significance.
The tale of the couple’s love is as contemporary as it gets. On The Bulwark podcast, Mamdani joked, “Dating apps still have hope because I met my wife on Hinge.”
He posted a series of pictures from their civil wedding only six weeks ago. A striking black-and-white scene at Union Square Station was caught in the main image. Surrounded by uninterested commuters, Duwaji stood smiling beside Mamdani in a tube vehicle, wearing a plain white dress and boots, holding a bouquet.
According to a campaign statement quoted by the New York Post, the pair celebrated their engagement last year in Dubai, where Duwaji’s family resides, with a happy, small party surrounded by loved ones before their civil ceremony in New York. Rama Duwaji
Dealing with Cyberbullying
Regretfully, the couple has been the focus of severe internet abuse; a lot of it has been politically driven.
In an emotive caption, Madani stated, “If you look at Twitter today or any day, you’ll see just how cruel politics can be.”
Usually, I disregard it, regardless of whether someone is threatening to kill me or demanding that I be deported. However, it strikes differently when it’s aimed at a loved one.
“I married Rama, the love of my life, at the city clerk’s office three months ago. Right-wing trolls are now attempting to turn this contest, which ought to be about you, into one about her. Rama Duwaji
“She’s so much more than just my wife,” he concluded with heartfelt sincerity. She needs to be acknowledged on her own terms since she is an amazing artist. You are free to disagree with my ideals, but not with my family.