Artist of the Month: April 2024
Ciza Zoya Azeez Calgary, AB
Multi-Disciplinary Artist
Ciza is a multidisciplinary artist who recently moved to Calgary in December 2021 from Kerala, India. With a solid foundation in arts and design, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from TKM College of Engineering in Kerala and a Master's degree in Arts Management from Cattolica University in Milan, Italy. Drawing inspiration from her rich roots and deep connection to the traditions of Kerala, India, Ciza's artistic journey revolves around sharing narratives, particularly those of a newcomer Indian woman adapting to a Western environment. She uses photos, installations, and performance art to connect with the audience and explore the nuances of life in this unfamiliar environment. Through her art, she invites people to experience and understand different cultures and perspectives.
Artistic Journey
I began with a background in architecture and arts management. Although I didn't formally learn photography, I delved into it through trial and error. Currently, my focus spans photography, installation, and performance art, allowing me to learn and grow bit by bit.
Growing up in India, studying in Europe, and settling in Canada, I discovered that my passion for arts and food serves as a universal language, bringing people together across diverse cultures. It has consistently proven to be an excellent conversation starter. While pursuing my master's degree, I lived on my own, I improved my cooking skills and explored various art forms. Merging my love for arts and food became a compelling way to showcase both our similarities and differences. This concept materialized in my installation exhibit: "I Smell Curry: Beyond the Blanket Term."
Ciza Zoya, Arts Commons Galleries
Parotta and Beef Curry
I Smell Curry Beyond the Blanket Term
Ciza Zoya
Pazhampori
I Smell Curry Beyond the Blanket Term
Ciza Zoya
How do you believe sharing your immigrant journey through your art helps bridge cultural gaps and fosters connection with others? Could you elaborate on any memorable interactions or feedback you’ve received from your audience?
As an immigrant artist, finding my artistic voice was initially challenging. I found my way by creating art that reflected my immigrant experience and conveyed stories that held personal significance. A significant moment in my journey occurred when I exhibited my work at Arts Commons as part of RBCEVAP. My installation, "I Smell Curry: Beyond the Blanket Term," aimed to challenge the reductive stereotype that "curry" is a one-dimensional representation of Indian culture, particularly from the perspective of someone from Kerala. This stereotype has personally impacted me, from being told my room smells like curry to feeling the need to explain the complexities of my culture to others. Through this exhibition, my intention was to showcase the richness and diversity of Kerala's culinary traditions, moving beyond the simplistic label of "curry."
I realized the significance of sharing my immigrant journey through my art.
Another pivotal moment was when I witnessed a group of school children having a gallery tour. Overhearing a South Indian girl excitedly explaining to her friend, "This is my culture from back home," made me realize the significance of sharing my immigrant journey through my art. That moment affirmed the impact of my work in helping others connect with and understand my experiences, making me realize the significance of sharing my immigrant journey to foster connection and understanding.
During my time in Europe as a student, I often found myself expressing my cultural identity through my culinary practices and attire, especially while living alone. I would frequently cook and incorporate cultural elements into my daily life, such as wearing traditional jewelry with Western outfits. While some people were curious about these cultural expressions, others made derogatory comments, due to my use of masalas. This experience led me to reflect on the importance of cultural awareness and understanding.
I hope to foster greater understanding of different cultures and encourage open discussions.
Kerala Meals
I Smell Curry Beyond the Blanket Term Ciza Zoya
Through exposure to various cultural dialogues, it has come to light that certain derogatory language, notably the use of "curry" with racially charged connotations, is regrettably common. This includes the offensive deployment of terms like "curry" to demean individuals of South Asian descent. This realization inspired my first project, 'I Smell Curry,' which aimed to challenge and celebrate cultural diversity. By showcasing these projects in public, I hope to foster a greater understanding of different cultures and encourage open discussions, ultimately contributing to increased cultural appreciation and understanding. Food, as a universal connector, played a significant role in inspiring these projects, highlighting its potential to bridge cultural gaps and foster meaningful connections.
Meal Preparation
I Smell Curry Beyond the Blanket Term
Ciza Zoya
What sparked the idea behind forming your collective with two other artists, and what specific opportunities are you seeking to realize this vision through group exhibitions and workshops?
As we are still in the preliminary stages, I regret that I am unable to reveal too many details at this time. Nonetheless, I am immensely grateful to be collaborating with two exceptional artists to establish a small collective named Multi Sensory Arts Collective YYC, pronounced as MSAC, reminiscent of a mosaic, symbolizing the fusion of various elements.
Our collective comprises artists with a shared passion for both arts and food.
While we are in the early stages and have yet to materialize our project, our immediate focus is on seeking opportunities to apply for grants that would facilitate the hosting of group exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. Stay tuned for updates! My primary focus currently revolves around the collective, although I do have plans to pursue individual projects in the near future.
How do you balance your dual roles and still find time for your artistic pursuits? Can you share how your work with immigrant communities and the arts community has influenced your perspective and experiences?
Currently, I am balancing two positions - one full-time and the other part-time. While it's not particularly challenging to manage, there is a time constraint that limits my ability to exclusively focus on the arts. However, I make a concerted effort to allocate whatever time I can to give my best to my artistic pursuits. Juggling various responsibilities is, in a way, a common aspect of an artist's life.
ICAI’s exhibitions surpassed my expectations, reigniting my passion for acting and connected me with amazing individuals. The impact on my arts career and professional development has been life-changing.
In my role at the Alberta Network Of Immigrant Women, I focus on providing services to immigrant women and their families, particularly those with foreign credentials such as dentists. Our current focus involves assisting them through the regulatory process, which often includes multiple levels of exams. For instance, dentists may need to clear three levels of exams to practice in Canada. It's not uncommon to encounter individuals who have extensive experience as dentists in their home countries, spanning 10 to 12 years, yet find that their credentials are not recognized in Canada, necessitating them to essentially start over.
What I find particularly rewarding about this role is the opportunity to engage in outreach and communications, including social media outreach, despite it not being directly related to advertising.
What truly resonates with me is the privilege of listening to the stories of immigrants and witnessing their journey towards unleashing their full potential. It's incredibly empowering to support them as they navigate through challenges and ultimately achieve their goals.
In my role as a Storytelling Associate at the Rozsa Foundation, I have the privilege of regularly meeting and amplifying the stories of fellow artists. What I find most fulfilling about my position is the opportunity to act as a voice for these artists, promoting their work on our social platforms. Additionally, I've been actively involved in fostering a community on Mighty Networks, where we engage with alumni from RAFT and RAMP programs. This aspect of my work allows me to connect with a diverse array of artists and regularly immerse myself in their compelling narratives. This unique blend of engaging with immigrant communities and the arts community is incredibly rewarding to me.
How does it feel to be chosen as the Artist of the Month?
I'm absolutely thrilled to receive this honour! Being recognized as the Artist of the Month by ICAI holds immense significance for me and serves as a powerful motivator to continue honing my craft and fostering creativity.
What unique challenges did you encounter while establishing yourself in the local arts scene after moving from Kerala, India to Calgary, Canada, and how did you overcome them? Additionally, how did you learn about ICAI and how has the organization impacted your artistic growth?
Upon arriving in Calgary, I encountered various obstacles while trying to establish myself in the local arts scene. Despite grappling with social anxiety, I was determined to network and put myself out there. My first step was to approach the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) for guidance and attend their networking events to meet like-minded individuals. At one such event, I had the good fortune of meeting my first mentor, Daniel Monzon. I reached out to him on LinkedIn to inquire about art-related opportunities and navigating the Canadian job market. I was elated when he agreed to help me, recognizing my keen interest in the arts.
During my search for guidance, I met a settlement counselor at CCIS, who had indirect ties to Toyin through a shared organization board membership, although lacking direct contact with her. Interestingly, my first mentor, Daniel Monson, was actively involved with CCIS. At a CCIS-organized conference, I had the opportunity to speak with Daniel. After persistently searching for a position in my field for four months, I messaged him on LinkedIn, expressing my determination to not settle for a job outside of my expertise. To my surprise, he agreed to be my mentor, impressed by my proactive approach. I was delighted that he became my first mentor in Calgary, especially as his fiancée, Lia Pereira, a Brazilian artist, was also involved in the inaugural Immigrant Arts Mentorship Program (IAMP) with ICAI. Through Daniel and CCIS, I was introduced to the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) and its founder, Toyin Oladele. Lia's participation led me to ICAI, where I eventually applied for and joined the program. Despite my anxiety and reluctance to initiate conversations, I knew I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. Taking a leap of faith, I asked to join, not knowing where it would lead. It was through this connection that I learned about the IAMP and decided to apply. Successfully reaching the program, I realized the power of networking and seizing opportunities.
Thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of these organizations and individuals, I was able to make significant headway within the local arts community and pursue my artistic career with renewed confidence.
This led to an invitation to apply for IAMP, which I seized with great enthusiasm after hearing positive feedback from past participants. Upon being accepted as one of ten mentees in the program's second cohort, I was overjoyed. My mentor, Aldona Barutowicz, has been an invaluable guide throughout the program, providing support, networking opportunities, and invaluable advice on navigating the arts sector in Calgary to pursue my artistic and career aspirations. Aldona's mentorship instilled in me the importance of "paying it forward" and inspiring others, culminating in my selection as the Mentor in Residence at ICAI. I continue to hold this role until April and am delighted to connect with and support new artists.
Has ICAI provided any specialized information for you? How did that help your work?
The Immigrant Arts Mentorship Program (IAMP) offered by ICAI is a comprehensive initiative that extends beyond individual mentorship sessions. It encompasses diverse learning sessions, including gaining insights into Indigenous history and arts, interacting with key figures in Calgary's arts community, enhancing job search and networking skills, refining branding and promotional abilities, and comprehending grants, fees, contracts, and more. These sessions serve as a valuable toolkit, equipping participants with the essential tools for success in their artistic pursuits.
The program not only focuses on mentorship but also ensures that individuals are well-prepared to tackle the real-world challenges encountered in the artistic domain.
Tiffin Carrier
I Smell Curry Beyond the Blanket Term
Ciza Zoya
How has your engagement with ICAI and its mentorship program impacted your artistic growth and professional development? Specifically, are there key insights or skills you’ve acquired that have proven especially valuable to you?
Mentoring at ICAI holds a special significance for me as it represents a full circle moment in my journey. Having started as a mentee myself, meeting Aldona, my mentor in IAMP, was truly impactful. During one of our early interactions, she expressed the importance of paying it forward to others in the future, which deeply resonated with me. This pivotal moment led me to make the decision to pay it forward, prompting me to apply to be a mentor.
The opportunity to transition from mentee to mentor was incredibly rewarding and signified a significant full circle moment in my personal and professional growth.
Aldona has been an incredibly empowering and supportive mentor. When I initially felt lost and uncertain about where to begin, she appeared as the right person at the right time, providing me with invaluable guidance and context. She actively engaged me in various events, which significantly helped me overcome my social anxiety, a challenge I continue to work on. I vividly recall the first time she took me to the CIFF red carpet, an experience that marked my debut on such a platform and allowed me to interact with numerous individuals. I am truly grateful to have had her as my mentor, and our relationship has evolved into a lasting friendship. Aldona often reaches out to invite me to events, and we cherish the opportunity to catch up and discuss our endeavours. She takes great pride in my progress and success, and I am equally delighted to have made her proud.
Our mentor-mentee relationship has truly become a mutually rewarding journey.
As an ICAI Mentor in Residence,I had the opportunity to mentor Indian artists, each with distinct backgrounds. One of them, a painter, presented a unique challenge as it was my first experience as a mentor. I facilitated connections with other artists and provided comprehensive resources, including a document compiling essential grant information, to aid his artistic pursuits. Despite being based in Edmonton, he sought guidance on local links, which I intend to address by connecting him with individuals in the area. The second mentee was a resident artist, who, despite her residency term, had difficulty establishing connections. Interestingly, after just one hour of mentoring, she also connected with Aldona, further expanding her network of resources.
Initially, I questioned the need to mentor someone who has been here much longer than myself, but I was reminded by Smitha, ICAI's Programs Coordinator, that mentorship is a two-way street, and I could also gain valuable insights from her. Embracing this perspective, I met the resident artist, confident that she will benefit from the combined resources and guidance provided by both of us.
Can you share a personal anecdote from your artistic journey where seizing opportunities and believing in your ideas led to unexpected opportunities? Additionally, what advice do you have for fellow creatives in Alberta?
Words of advice: Believe in your ideas and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don't be deterred if others don't immediately understand or appreciate your art – the perfect time for art is now. Embrace the art-making process and trust that things will naturally fall into place.
I have noticed that some newcomers or immigrants often feel hesitant and intimidated by the perceived skill level of the artists around them. Despite these feelings, I strongly advocate for actively seizing every opportunity and engaging in extensive networking. Integrating into Calgary's close-knit arts community is essential.
Meaningful conversations and networking can lead to valuable insights and resources.
Even casual interactions can uncover new opportunities, contributing to the growth of a vibrant arts community. Sharing resources and experiences with others is crucial for initiating and advancing one's journey within the artistic community. Every encounter holds the potential to provide invaluable resources, leading to the creation of a supportive and beautiful arts community.
Follow Ciza: Instagram