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Art Activist | Mixed Media | Chicago

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Israel has said they will treat any kite flown in Gaza as an “act of war” and has ordered the army to treat them like military drones. They’ve threatened to escalate air strikes because of children’s kites.

Just imagine, these kids are protesting for their right to fly a kite. They’re being forced to give up one of their few remaining outlets of joy-their childhood is being stolen from them. by @thecitizenraja

2 months ago

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Big thank you to everyone that came out to our pop up art show yesterday - together we raised $1,265 ($900 for @thePCRF and $365 for mutual aid). I’m so grateful for everyone who helped support this cause and was part of this event:

@nabalacafe @hussein.__art @mubdian_ @ozzie.png @derickantjuan @sotocuchis mayar.abdalraheem

Also glad that one of the original pieces that I made found a new home last night too 🖼️ taken in Nabala Cafe by @thecitizenraja

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2 months ago

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Meet World Waves Artist @thecitizenraja
World Waves Art Exhibition
At @starlingbyduo / @drinkmondaycoffee
Until September 29th

I am a Chicago-based mixed media artist of Pakistani heritage. As a self-taught artist, I discovered collage as a way to process the world around me and give voice to stories that are often overlooked. My work explores social and political issues through collage, while encouraging viewers to pause, reflect, and question the narratives that shape our understanding of the world. Through my work, I hope to spark empathy, curiosity, and and a deeper sense of our shared responsibility to one another.

#worldwaves #chicagoart #chicagoartist #chicagoartistcommunity #chicagocommunity

Citizen Raja

Humanity
2023

Collage
12 in x 16 in

$500 taken in Drink Monday Coffee by @thecitizenraja

a month ago

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Sometimes it feels like we’re screaming into an empty void. The walls will continue to speak even if the world isn’t ready to listen. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @thecitizenraja

22k

a year ago

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My first unofficial collab with Nabala Cafe was about 2 years ago, after it was vandalized. The community came together to respond — local artists painted murals over the windows, and I wheatpasted some of my own work over the damage.

Come join us on August 29th for our pop up art exhibition if you want to see the artwork inside the cafe this time, instead of on the windows. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @thecitizenraja

2 months ago

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Rounding out the artists for our pop-up art show is myself- I’m a self taught artist based out of Chicago with Pakistani roots. I started making collage art in 2019 as a way to raise awareness around important issues and as a social commentary on the world we’re living in. The past couple of years I shifted a bit more toward wheatpasting and street art- if people were going to ignore genocide then I wanted the work and message to confront them in the streets, in their neighborhoods.

The collection of pieces in Art for Liberation will tell a story around occupation, war crimes, Palestinian identity, resilience, hope, and loss.

50% of all proceeds from my work (including original pieces) will be donated to @thepcrf

📅 Sat, August 29 | 📍 Nabala Cafe, Chicago (4660 N. Broadway) by @thecitizenraja

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2 months ago

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Join us on Saturday, August 29th at @nabalacafe for a pop-up art show & fundraiser for Gaza- a portion of the proceeds will be donated to @thepcrf

The exhibition will feature original artwork by Citizen Raja and @mubdian_ along with work from Gaza-based artists @hussein.__art (painter) and Mayar Nateel (poetry)

Prints and Apparel will be available for purchase

Music by DiGi @derickantjuan & @sotocuchis

Free entry- help support the cause and spend an evening of art, community, and solidarity.

📍 Nabala Cafe (4660 N Broadway, Chicago)
📅 Sat, August 29
⏰ 3 - 9 PM by @thecitizenraja

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2 months ago

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Two people were shot and killed by ICE agents over the span of one week.

Our government continues to pour billions into ICE funding, terrorizing immigrant communities while nearly half of Americans struggle to afford basic costs of living.

The most dangerous thing we can do as a society is to tolerate what we once thought was unacceptable, and grow numb to it. by @thecitizenraja

3 months ago

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Meet the artists behind Art for Liberation — Citizen Raja, Mubdian, Gaza-based artists Hussain Al-Jerjawi and Mayar Nateel — plus music by DiGi & Sotocuchis

Free entry- we will have an art exhibit along with prints and apparel for sale. A portion of the proceeds go to @thepcrf while proceeds from Gaza-based artists’ work go directly to their mutual aid funds.

📅 Sat, August 29 (Tomorrow)
⏰ 3–9 PM
📍 Nabala Cafe, Chicago (4660 N. Broadway) by @thecitizenraja

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2 months ago

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$Searching for meaning in a fractured world. This series of collage work was created after a season of slowing down — reflections on uncertainty, solitude, and the search for stillness within the noise. Titles: 1. Crossroads 2. The Things we Carry 3. All that Remains 4. Follow the Clouds by @thecitizenraja$

4 months ago

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Meet the incredible vendors who will be joining us for our third annual Artists Against the Blockade event 🇨🇺!

🗓️ Sunday, July 26
⏰ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 @chicagoliberationcenter

The money raised from this event will go towards medical aid to Cuba via @hatueyproject by @thecitizenraja

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3 months ago

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The same government that funds endless wars abroad is tearing families apart here under the banner of “law and order.”

Abolish Ice. Free them all. taken in Pilsen, Chicago by @thecitizenraja

a year ago

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Shahzaad Raja

@thecitizenraja