The founder of Haadah’s A.R.T, Shahaadah Morell is an abstract surrealist based in Staten Island, NY. In 2019 she obtained her Bachelor in Fine Arts at Brooklyn College. Shahaadah Morell's works analyze the different traumatic influences BIPOC communities experience within western society. Suggesting that these influences affect psychological, behavioral, and emotional patterns that block self-reflection, acceptance, and love. Shahaadah has shown work with The Working Theater, National Black Theater, We Roam Freely, Black Girls Who Paint, Bleu Calf, and RiverFront Art Gallery. Shahaadah is also a Multidisciplinary artist; she works with acrylic, oil, fabric, colored pencils, watercolor, and oil pastels on paper or canvas.

How did you get your name?

Haadah is derived from my given name which is Shahaadah. A.R.T is the abbreviation of ancestors reaching through.

How did you get into creating?

In my high school, they cut the art program; students could only have art until sophomore year. To resolve this issue my art teacher created an advanced placement course and invited me to join; I've been creating ever since.

How has creating changed your life?

I've found my true identity through creating. Creating has allowed me to stand in my authenticity and not be ashamed to be different. I've healed old wounds by creating; breaking down barriers of self-doubts. I also gained the confidence to speak in public about my passions through creating.

Where are you from?

I was raised in Brooklyn, New York.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

It was a culture shock growing up in my neighborhood because I was raised in an environment of black culture but in my household, it was Islamic culture. I faced prejudiced views not only as a dark-skinned black girl but also as a Muslim girl. That affected the way I socialized with the outside world; I was more hostile when I communicated with people because I felt they always wanted me to choose a side.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

Going to college helped me isolate myself so that I could focus on advancing my skills and knowledge. I truly appreciated the freedom to choose my field of research. The art history and philosophical courses I was taking allowed me to answer childhood questions I've had about poverty, colorism, and other stereotypical influences on or about black culture. Obtaining that knowledge made me more intentional in my creative process.

What does your current setup look like?

My current setup is half room half studio. On one side of my room,  I have unfinished works, art materials, a fold-up table, and my easel. On the other side of my room, I have finished work, my bed, my dressers, my altar, and my TV.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

Mickalene Thomas is one of my biggest inspirations of mine; Thomas is the reason why I grew to understand the importance of having black women in the art world. In my senior year of high school I saw her exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum called the “Origin of the Universe”. Before that exhibition, I'd never seen a representation of black women fill up a big space. I was surrounded by black beauty and it made me feel seen and proud ever since then, I vowed to do the same.

What is your goal when you create?

When I create my goal is to allow the conscious mind to be taken away by my subconscious. My goal is to merge the spontaneity of creating with the initial idea of any piece. My goal is to not allow any external or internal projections to deter me away from my process.

Why do you create?

I not only create to rebel against the false narrative behind the American dream but to also inform the communities that are targeted. My actions advocate for the importance of following your own path and showing the beauty behind it.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

My go-to song is “Neva Eva” by Trillville , Lil Scrappy, and Lil Jon ; it's my go-to song because it boosts my mood and it reminds me that everyone is powerful, unique, and should be confident in their own authenticity.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My dream as an artist is to have a creative residential sanctuary for other upcoming artists. Every day I take steps towards that dream by consistently researching history, connecting, and creating platforms to bring awareness to different traumatic influences brown and black communities experience within western society and how we can transmute those experiences.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

The best advice I can give someone with a dream is to know that dream and hold on tight to it. There will be tests, negative connotations, and influences trying to take you away from that dream; you have to know that these experiences push you closer to your dream, in actuality. Always know that your dream is your purpose so whatever happens in life analyze it to the benefit of your purpose.

Tell us about your most recent release

Haadahs A.R.T just officially launched a website in September; the website is a space of healing with weekly blogs, merchandise , and original art affirming and motivating the authenticity of oneself. For the spooky season, there will be 40% off all original artwork; the sale ends on November 10th. All artworks are one of one-pieces.

Check it out

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkBb0-qjFdL/

Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haadahs_a.r.t/

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/haadahsart

Website: http://www.haadahsart.squarespace.com

Photography credit: Fiona Lee (@fionalee.art), Bleu (@bleupablo)

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