Daily Signs of the SWANA Diaspora in New York City

**Art Review: Niyū Yūrk at NYPL**

An intriguing exhibition at the New York Public Library, Niyū Yūrk, provides a profound exploration of the paradox of invisibility and visibility experienced by the Southwest Asian/North African (SWANA) community in the U.S. Curated by Hiba Abid, the display emphasizes the historical and cultural contributions of the SWANA diaspora to New York City’s cultural landscape, drawing from the NYPL’s extensive collection.

Central to the exhibition is the issue of ethnic erasure, exemplified by the controversial classification of SWANA people as “White” on the U.S. census. This misclassification extends beyond the census to institutional documents, underscoring the community’s fight for accurate representation.

Niyū Yūrk delves into SWANA presence through diverse artifacts, such as photographs of early immigrants by Lewis Hine and memorabilia from SWANA-owned bodegas. The exhibition showcases influential SWANA figures: Lebanese-American dance scholar Ibrahim Farrah, transhumanist author FM-2030, and the ArteEast film collective, among others.

A highlight is the film “In My Own Skin” by Jennifer Jajeh and Nikki Byrd, featuring interviews with Arab women post-9/11, addressing the duality of visibility and enforced invisibility faced by the community. This theme is pivotal to the exhibit, hinting at a broader dialogue within the SWANA diaspora about identity and recognition.

Niyū Yūrk is not only a reflection of SWANA’s enduring contributions but also a testament to the ongoing journey towards visibility in American society. The exhibition is open at the New York Public Library until March 8, offering visitors insight into the nuanced narratives of SWANA identity.