Memory Palaces: Imagination & Reckoning in Mosaic | Artist Conversation with Haifa Bint-Kadi

Join us for a conversation with artist Haifa Bint-Kadi as she unveils her new collection, Memory Palaces.

This collection features 3-dimensional structures with mosaic elements representing the essence of home stemming from her deep connection to her own heritage to the Arab culture. Each palace is paired with an audio recording specific to the memories contained by the palace.

Memory Palaces is inspired by Bint-Kadi’s childhood as a first generation Palestinian-Afro-Caribbean American and a daughter of refugees. Bint-Kadi’s work explores the feelings of nostalgia, grief, and yearning often felt by refugees and immigrants as they relocate in search of new homes. Each piece represents an evolution of memories drawn from the past into the present through the Bint-Kadi’s mosaic practice.

About the Artist
Haifa Bint-Kadi a first Generation Palestinian-Afro-Caribbean American, a daughter of refugees, a mother, and a grandmother. Haifa was trained in Italy as a classical mosaicist, but even in her early work, she was always drawn to the idea of public art as an index or marker of lived experience. She holds a B.A. and M.F.A. from Istituto d’Arte per il Mosaico in Ravenna, Italy, and has been creating public art mosaics since 1993. She serves as a full-time curator for the City of Yonkers library system, a certified teaching artist, and an adjunct professor at Suny Purchase, focusing on Arts for Social Justice. Haifa has created over 24 public art mosaics and steel sculptures across the state. Haifa’s studio practice revolves around family archives, translating them into paintings and mixed media-maps exploring her Afro-Caribbean and Arab roots. Recognized with numerous awards, grants, and accolades, including the Kennedy Center’s Steam Educator Award, Haifa believes art fosters healing, builds self-esteem and identity, and inspires wonder and exploration. 

About the Artist Conversation Series:   
RiverArts creates opportunities to amplify the artistic voice, bringing insight and delight to our community. We are proud to spotlight leading voices in art, music, poetry, dance, and theater. Under the direction of Marie Louise-Miller, our Artist Conversation series offers a chance to get up close and personal with artists. The Artist Conversation Series aims to shed light on the intricacies of creativity across all its artistic mediums from the fine artist to the performance artist.