Jenna Hamed

Jenna Hamed is an art worker, writer, and photographer based in Queens. Her text and image based works can be found in several online and print publications, as well as in her e-zine publications, which she sends out to subscribers regularly. 

jennahamed.com

What drew you to the MA in Arts Politics?

I was attracted to the interdisciplinary nature of the program: I was able to work within the intersecting space of critical theory with art, artists, and institutions. 

How do you describe or identify your practice/work?

I am an artist first and foremost; this informs my thought processes as a curator, educator, strategist, professional, inhabitant of earth. I conjure my inspiration from my rootedness in Detroit and Al-Quds (Jerusalem): the cities I call home. 

How did your experience in the program shape your work? Is there a particular moment or project that you can remember as having an impact?

This program taught me why I believe in art as a powerful tool of conveyance, while forever remaining skeptical. Delving into critical theory and discourse pertaining to the art world was a slow process of adopting a mindset to constantly interrogate and analyze the world around me. The most profound moments have always been centered in realizing there is no specific answer to any of the questions we are asking; it's all about the process. 

What are some of the challenges and/or rewards of this program?

The challenges reap the rewards; I could say the most rewarding aspects of this program is having the conceptual tools to comprehend unsurmountable amounts of texts and ideas in a short period of time, but I think the most beautiful part was witnessing the growth of myself and my peers in the program. I've made such beautiful friendships with my classmates and professors, and I believe this is what really matters at the end of the day.