We Make Money Not Art recently sat down with Azra Akšamija and discussed the various nomadic Islamic prayer environments she devised as 1) an invitation to discussion about prejudice during a so-called War on Terror, and 2) a practical solution to the demands of a spiritual lifestyle.

Her Survival Mosque is the most activist and provocative. Engaging both the cosmopolitanism of the American Muslim, and challenging racist propaganda, the garment incorporates:

an American-flag pattern that communicates patriotism, an umbrella that surveys one’s back, washing solution for ablution and for cleaning when a Muslim get spit on, ear plugs against insults, American constitution proofing rights of American Muslims, a loud-speaker with speech on tolerance held by President George W. Bush, educative books, communication devices, etc.

While this project is informed by an obvious satire, her other work is more focused on wearable architecture, and sterner notions of “fearless speech” in public places.

Also, We Make Money Not Art reports that:

The work of Azra Aksamija is part of the group show Encounters which runs at the Stadsgalerij Heerlen (NL) through November 11, 2007. The works presented in Encounters examine the tension between the dominant visual culture, often confirmed by the ‘official’ media, and possible alternative visions. They function as a starting point for people to ask questions about themes such as democratisation, emancipation, and globalisation.

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