Home chevron_right Illustrator, Animator, Ceramicist chevron_right Rama Duwaji

Rama Duwaji

movie Illustrator, Animator, Ceramicist cake Year, 1998 (Texas, USA)
height

Height

5' 7" (170 cm)

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Age

27

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Nation

American

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Basic Information

Date of Birth: Year, 1998
Birthplace: Texas, USA
Nationality: American
Hometown: Damascus, Syria

Family & Relationships

Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Zohran Mamdani

Education

Schools: Rama Duwaji often made art in 6th standard when she got bored with studies
Colleges: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia School of Visual Arts, New York City
Education: BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Communication Design Master's degree in illustration (NY)

Lifestyle

Religion: Islam
Food Habit: Non-vegetarian

person_book Biography

Some Lesser Known Facts About Rama Duwaji

  • Rama Duwaji often made art in 6th standard when she got bored with studies.
  • She later decided to pursue her graduation in the arts as she had no other career choice.

    Rama Duwaji during her teenage years
    Rama Duwaji during her teenage years
  • She moved to the USA from Dubai in 2021 after the first phase of COVID-19. 1

    Rama Duwaji when she lived in Dubai
    Rama Duwaji when she lived in Dubai
  • She’s an animator and illustrator who has worked with Spotify, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, and the Tate Modern.
  • She uses drawn portraiture and movement to “examine the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences.” She also creates hand-built ceramics and teaches workshops.

    An artwork made by Rama Duwaji
    An artwork made by Rama Duwaji
  • In 2022, her works appeared in the BBC World Service documentary “Who killed my grandfather” which investigated the assassination of a Yemeni politician in 1974.
  • She first met her husband, Zohran Mamdani, on the dating app Hinge, and they dated for almost 2 years.
  • After their marriage in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s Office, they also held a private niqqah in Dubai, where her family is based.

    Rama Duwaji with Zohran Mamdani
    Rama Duwaji with Zohran Mamdani
  • Her husband was criticised by many people for hiding their marriage, after which he posted photos from their marriage on 12 May 2025.
  • After winning the primary election, Mamdani brought her to the stage where he kissed her hand and said, “I must thank my incredible wife, Rama, thank you.

    Rama Duwaji with Zohran Mamdani during his speech after winning the primary elections
    Rama Duwaji with Zohran Mamdani during his speech after winning the primary elections
  • She also expressed pride and replied that she “couldn’t possibly be prouder” of his achievements.

    Rama Duwaji looking at Zohran Mamdani
    Rama Duwaji looking at Zohran Mamdani
  • While she doesn’t necessarily try to portray her political views in her art, she is a believer in reflecting the current times through her art and has designed pro-Palestine artworks.
  • She has exhibited at notable galleries like P21 Gallery (London) and SVA’s Chelsea Gallery (New York), and participated in artist residencies including Beirut’s Haven for Artists.
  • She’s also taught workshops in collaboration with Tasmeem Design Biennial, It’s Nice That, and facilitated ceramic illustration classes
  • She is influenced by Greta Thunberg for her work in climate change, mental health activist, Lauren Ash, co-founder of a page and podcast called Black Girl in Om, and Ashley Lukashevsky, an amazing illustrator and designer.
  • Her first little graphic was Razor Burn, a semester-long project in an art class about mental health, physical health, and societal issues.

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