Hamja Ahsan

Hamja Ahsan is an artist, writer, curator and activist. A multi-disciplinary artist, his practice has involved conceptual writing, building archives, performance, video, sound and making zines. Key reoccurring themes revolving in his work has been explorations around state crime, contemporary Islamophobia, repression of civil liberties under the so-called War on Terror, and prison solidarity. Hamja is the author of Shy Radicals: The Antisystemic Politics of the Militant Introvert, published by Book Works in 2017, currently in its fourth edition run.^[1][2][3] In Shy Radicals, he argues that shy people are oppressed and presents a constitution for Aspergistan, a state for shy people.^[1][2][4] In 2019, he was awarded the Grand Prize at the thirty-third Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts for the artwork 'Aspergistan Referendum' based on Shy Radicals. ^[5] Hamja was selected as a participating artist for Documenta fifteen. Hamja lives and works in London.

Early Life[]

Ahsan was born in London in 1981 to Bengali Muslim parents. He grew up in Tooting and Mitcham and attended Graveney Secondary School. In 2005, Hamja attend Central St. Martin's and completed a BA Fine Art, receiving a first. He was taught by Anne Tallentire. He then completed an MA in Critical Writing and Curatorial Practice at Chelsea College of Arts.

Shy Radicals[]

In 2017, Hamja Ahsan's book Shy Radicals: The Antisystemic Politics of the Militant Introvert was published by Book Works. A work of speculative fiction that conjures a radical new structuring of the world, defined by 'extrovert supremacy' and a global resistance of shy and introvert activism. A manifesto for a 'Black Panthers' like party but for shy people as Ahsan describes.^[6] The book has quietly and increasingly being recognised as a significant literary achievement, with its readership represented across the world and the book also appearing on numerous university reading lists. Hamja has been invited to do readings or teach modules on his work across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

The book is taught at Ivy League level on curriculum Neurodiversity, Politics and Culture at Brown University.^[7]

In 2020, Shy Radicals was adapted into a short film, produced by Ridley Scott's film company, Black Dog Films and directed by Tom Dream.^[8]

Art and Curatorial Practice[]

Hamja has been a prolific artist, writer, curator and cultural organiser since the early 2000's. He is the co-founder of the DIY Cultures Zine Festival in 2013.^[9] He has presented art projects at the NY Art Book Fair at MOMA PS1; Tate Modern, London; Gwangju Biennale; Shanaakht festival, Karachi; and Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Warsaw and was a resident artist at Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht in 2020–21.^[10] He has contributed articles and essays to numerous books, journals and zines.

Human Rights Activism[]

Hamja Ahsan was a tireless campaigner against some of the most powerful state apparatuses in the case of his brother, Syed Talha Ahsan. Through this work, in 2012 he was shortlisted for the Liberty Human Rights award for the 'Free Talha Ahsan' campaign on extradition and detention without trial under the War on Terror, highlighting the effective use of creative practice, art and film.^[11] The 'Free Talha' campaign received support from many figures across the world, including Riz Ahmed, Caroline Lucas and A.L Kennedy. His work, as an artist and campaigner also has championed various other causes that deal with state violence and harshness.

References[]

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