Wisconsin Life

– Amal Azzam: For me, personally, pink is just such a vibe, always enjoyed using that color.

I don't like wearing it, which a lot of people find confusing, but I love using it, like, as the staple color in most of my work.

My name is Amal Azzam.

I'm an artist.

I'm also a co-founder of Fanana Banana.

[upbeat techno music] - I mean, as any community artist, you're really trying to see what is lacking in the community.

What people are wanting, [squirting] what they're needing.

So, in those moments, that's what we do.

My name is Nayfa Naji.

I'm a graphic designer and an artist.

– Amal Azzam: But thank you all for coming.

We are just, like, so happy to see all of your wonderful faces.

There's a huge gap from an artist that is practicing to a professional artist that's featured in galleries and represented.

Like, there's a big gap in between that.

And so, I think now our mission is how we can change that for ourselves and for other people.

Like, so many artists leave and go to Chicago.

And it's like, "Well, there's a reason for that.

Hey, why don't we try to do something about it?"

And that's literally how Fanana came to be.

– Nayfa Naji: We went straight into, like, "Okay, let's make a logo.

Let's come up with a name."

So, Fanana in Arabic means 'artist.'

And then, banana just gave it that goofy twist to it.

[laughs] - Amal Azzam: It started with shedding a spotlight on Muslim or MENA artists.

And now, I think it's for artists that need it, I think.

[upbeat music] - Singer: Are you the definition of insanity Or am I - Amal Azzam: We want the artists to have, at least, semi-full house when we're having the shows, so they can get their work seen and have people follow them on Instagram.

Some artists actually have had their work sold, which was really, really cool.

– Mal Montoya: All you artists, please raise your hands real quick.

Their exposure to this general public is changing the landscape of art and culture here in Milwaukee.

– Amal Azzam: The current exhibition at MARN is titled "Reflecting My Muslim Americanism," and it's a show that features local Muslim artists.

And it features their work and the way that they represent their own identity, and the personal struggles, or just stories of Muslims in America.

– Nayfa Naji: This has been a personal journey, as, like, struggling with being Muslim, being American, and also being Palestinian.

So, to be able to showcase our artworks and give other artists the opportunity to do the same is really important, so thank you, guys.

[applause] Nayfa Naji: It also benefits people who don't know us.

And it's like, they're able to see us through art.

It's about a community and understanding.

It's really, really about understanding, honestly.

How can things get better?

How can things change?

Like, what is it that people are wanting or needing right now?