Anida Yoeu Ali's Red Chador Procession Confronts Islamophobia in Seattle

At the Seattle Asian Art Museum, Anida Yoeu Ali presents her exhibition 'Hybrid Skin, Mythical Presence,' which tackles issues of Islamophobia and cultural marginalization. Among the works displayed is the video 'Genesis 1' (2021), which draws from Ali's experience of being detained at Tel Aviv airport in 2017. The exhibition also showcases 'The Buddhist Bug,' a saffron-orange outfit captured in photographs by her spouse, Masahiro Sugano. Additionally, images from The Red Chador's 2015 performance in Paris are included. Ali, a Cham-Muslim artist from Cambodia, reflects on her identity shaped by Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions. In June 2024, she organized 'The Red Chador (Afterlife),' a procession in Seattle during Pride, which drew about 100 attendees. The exhibition will be open until 7 July. Prior to its opening, Ali received online threats, and a Muslim woman was assaulted in February 2024.