Author: shahwaizahashmi

Over the last couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to visit two powerful exhibits: the Musée national de l’histoire de l’immigration in Paris and the Mémorial des Déportations in Marseille. Both museums provided harrowing insights into France’s dark history of deportations during the 1940s and a reflective lens on the country’s current struggles with … Continue reading Unveiling the Past: Stories of Deportations in France and Reflections on Modern-Day Discrimination

Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, where I immersed myself in the world of Jorge Longarón, the Spanish cartoonist whose work left an indelible mark on the Black community worldwide. The exhibit, focused on his renowned comic strip Friday Foster, was both enlightening and … Continue reading Friday Foster Exhibit at Museu Nacional d’Art: A Beacon of Hope for Future Representation

Today’s France: A Reflection of the Land of Refuge and Land of ExileFrance once known as the land of refuge and exile, a sanctuary for those fleeing turmoil and a haven for diverse cultures to meld. Walking through the bustling streets of Paris or the serene countryside of Provence, you can see the imprints of … Continue reading Today’s France: A Reflection of the Land of Refuge and Land of Exile

As a student hailing from an American University, my visit to Paris was marked not only by iconic landmarks and sumptuous foreign cuisine but also by the vibrant street art that adorns the city’s walls, almost as foreign to me as France’s cuisine. From the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to the bustling neighborhoods of Le … Continue reading Expressions of Revolution: Exploring Parisian Graffiti

As I stepped through the ornate gates of the Palace of Versailles, I felt a surge of anticipation. This iconic landmark, steeped in grandeur, had witnessed centuries of French history, including the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. As a student eager to delve into the past, I embarked on a journey to uncover the … Continue reading Seeking Signs of Revolution at the Palace of Versailles