RIT/NTID’s Dyer Arts Center to feature works by artist, art therapist Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq

The Dyer Arts Center, located at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, hosts its first featured exhibition of 2024 with works by London-based artist and art therapist Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, Jan. 19–May 17. An opening reception and artist presentation take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19.

Aurangzeb-Tariq presents a compelling body of work that interweaves her artistic practice with her therapeutic approach, exploring the profound intersections of deaf identity, immigration, and womanhood. Her artwork serves as a reflection of her personal experiences, challenging societal norms and preconceptions, while offering a unique lens through which to view the complexities of deafness and mental health.

Aurangzeb-Tariq’s artistic journey is grounded in her own multifaceted identity as a deaf immigrant woman of color. She navigates the intricacies of these identities, investigating the spaces where they converge and diverge. Her work challenges societal assumptions and expectations, giving voice to those often silenced and marginalized.

Her artistic practice extends beyond the gallery walls and integrates into her therapeutic work, using art as a potent tool for healing by empowering individuals to explore their emotions, process trauma, and discover their inner strength. Her approach is particularly effective with deaf patients, as she understands the unique challenges they face in accessing traditional mental health services.

Within the therapeutic realm, Aurangzeb-Tariq fosters a safe and expressive space for deaf individuals to communicate their experiences. She guides her patients through a process of self-discovery, utilizing art as a medium for navigating complex emotions, exploring identity, and cultivating resilience.

“Aurangzeb-Tariq’s artwork itself is a testament to her artistic mastery and cultural richness,” said Fran Flaherty, director of the Dyer Arts Center. “Her art transcends mere representation; it acts as a catalyst for transformation, inviting viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and understanding. She encourages viewers to connect with their own emotions, embrace their unique identities, and find strength in their resilience, and her work stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of art in the contexts of identity exploration, emotional healing, and social change.“

In addition to the opening reception and artist talk on Jan. 19, Aurangzeb-Tariq will host an art therapy workshop for professionals, Illuminating Art, Deaf Identity, and the Therapeutic Process, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

For more information, email Flaherty at flfdac@rit.edu.