Draft:Safwat Saleem

Safwat Saleem (born 1980 in Sialkot, Pakistan) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores immigrant narratives and the cultural assimilation process. Saleem uses his background in graphic design, illustration, writing, film, and sound to create art. His work addresses identity and resilience, often using humor and satire to explore stereotypes and themes related to masculinity and fatherhood within immigrant communities.

Biography
Saleem was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, and is now based in the United States. He graduated from Arizona State University.

Career
Saleem’s work gained recognition during the early 2010s, coinciding with a surge of artists from the American Southwest who responded to Arizona's SB1070 law... . His 2016 TED Talk "Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent" addresses identity and resilience. He has also participated in the Arizona Biennial, where his work has been recognized for its exploration of place and cultural narratives

In 2023, Saleem was involved in initiatives to encourage Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to vote, notably through the "Give a F—" campaign aimed at young Asian American voters. His project "Concerned but Powerless" addresses themes of helplessness and agency in contemporary society. His short audio story “22 Words,” which discusses the challenges of passing down language in immigrant families, was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Short Cuts

Awards and Recognition

 * TED Fellowship (2013)
 * Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas finalist (2017)
 * Rocky Mountain Emmy recipient (2022)
 * Rocky Mountain Emmy recipient (2023)
 * Define American Fellowship (2023)
 * AAPI Creative Catalyst Fellowship (2023)
 * Creative Capital Shortlist (2024)
 * Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award (2024) (link forthcoming)

Exhibitions and Projects

 * Arizona Biennial: Saleem's work at the Arizona Biennial explores immigrant identity and cultural narratives
 * Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Participated in "Language in Times of Miscommunication," focusing on communication complexities and the immigrant experience
 * Political Art Exhibits: Saleem has been involved in political art exhibits, including those inspired by Arizona's SB 1070 law