Fragments of Home and Multidimensional Artistry
J. Reem Salloum
Portrait of J. Reem Salloum , Courtesy of the artist
J. Reem Salloum is a Palestinian-Syrian artist and filmmaker whose work explores memory, displacement and identity. Her multimedia-based art reimagines fragmented histories, focusing on the personal narratives of those affected by war, occupation and colonialism. Through collage, video installation, sculpture and painting, Salloum constructs visual dialogues that navigate the intimate and collective dimensions of loss, survival and resilience. Salloum’s film work includes experimental pieces like Planet of the Arabs, which screened at the Sundance Film Festival, and Slingshot Hip Hop, a documentary about the Palestinian hip-hop scene. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at Mori Art Museum, Reina Sofia, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei and more. As an Artist in Residence at NYU, where she received her MFA, Salloum also taught the class “Memory Metamorphosis.” DIVAZ caught up with Salloum to hear all about her accomplishments.
How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity?
I’m a first-generation Arab American, with a mother from Palestine and a father from Syria. Growing up in the U.S., I faced negative portrayals of Arabs in the media, which initially made me wish I weren’t Arab. However, my family’s deep connection to our culture changed my perspective. They taught me to be proud of my identity and helped me see the political agenda behind the media’s portrayal of Arabs, motivating me to challenge those narratives in my work.
How have your studies influenced your creative approach?
At NYU, I was encouraged to experiment with different mediums, which aligned with my tendency to get bored easily. I explored digital formats, collage, sculptural installations and experimental video. A key moment was when I created a video art piece set to the Palestinian hip-hop song Meen Irhabi? (Who’s the Terrorist?), which sparked curiosity about Arabic hip-hop. This piece later became the seed for my documentary Slingshot Hip Hop.
Why did you choose this artistic path?
Art has always been integral to me. As a child, I was more interested in making art than academics. While my parents initially saw art as a hobby, they became supportive once they saw my work exhibited worldwide. My mom even encouraged other Arab parents to support their children pursuing creative careers, realizing the importance of controlling our own narratives.
What influences shaped your aesthetic?
Growing up with strict parents, I often turned to art to pass the time. My early work was influenced by sci-fi, pop culture and hip-hop, which formed the foundation of my aesthetic. As I explored themes like displacement and memory, I found that using pop culture elements connected with viewers and made them more open to new perspectives. My work documents both personal and collective histories, recontextualizing them into new forms to preserve fragmented stories. My aesthetic blends documentation and imagination, transforming lived experiences into visual narratives that connect the past, present and future.
Does your work reflect your cultural heritage?
Yes. My family’s displacement has deeply influenced my work. I feel a responsibility to preserve fragmented histories, bearing witness to the histories of exile, loss and erasure through art.
What moment stands out as a personal victory?
Having my first solo art show while still at university was a huge moment. Premiering two films at Sundance with my family present, and touring Slingshot Hip Hop in Palestine and Syria, where my relatives attended, were deeply personal milestones.
Who is your Diva?
My mom and tata are my ultimate divas. They taught me about our culture, history and the importance of storytelling, which continues to shape my approach to life and art.
