For illustrator and animator Rama Duwaji, public attention arrived unexpectedly. Accustomed to working quietly from her Brooklyn studio, she was suddenly introduced to a much wider audience through a set of carefully styled images shared in collaboration with The Cut. The response was immediate, with many people focusing on her visual presence and calm confidence. Rather than feeling celebratory, the experience felt vulnerable, as Duwaji has long preferred for her creative work to take center stage rather than her personal image.
This increase in visibility was closely connected to her husband, Zohran Mamdani, whose rise to a prominent leadership role in New York City placed Duwaji in the public eye. Online reactions followed quickly, with many expressing admiration, while others framed her primarily through her relationship rather than her career. While she appreciated the positive attention, Duwaji has openly shared that being introduced mainly as a political partner was uncomfortable, especially given her years of independent artistic work.
As public interest continued, Duwaji and Mamdani made intentional decisions about what aspects of their lives to share publicly. They released a limited number of images from their courthouse wedding, choosing a tone that emphasized simplicity and authenticity. Despite this careful approach, Duwaji has acknowledged that sudden exposure can create pressure for artists, sometimes leading to self-doubt or overanalysis. To stay balanced, she focuses on her creative community rather than online metrics, using perspective and humor to maintain her artistic confidence.
When reflecting on the informal public role now associated with her name, Duwaji approaches it thoughtfully. She understands that public-facing positions can be shaped in many ways, especially in a diverse city like New York. While she does not see herself as a political figure, she values the opportunity to support and uplift working artists who often lack visibility. At the same time, she remains committed to her own creative practice, continuing to produce illustrations, animations, and ceramic work centered on community and identity, while setting clear boundaries to ensure her visibility supports her work rather than defines it.