Photo Credit: Georgia R Haynes
The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don't see. - James Baldwin
My name is Emma Ismawi, I am a Sarawakian/Australian artist, designer and educator living on the unceded lands of the Woiwurrung and Boon Wurrung people in Naarm/Birrarung-ga (Melbourne.)
I am committed to shifting the paradigm for historically excluded communities through purposeful design and illustration that educates, inspires and empowers. My hope is that the work I do will help envision and build an inclusive world.
When I'm not creating I spend my time teaching design and tutoring in homework clubs and EAL classes.
Animated movies, turtles and strong coffee make me happy.
Features + Exhibitions
City Stories, City of Melbourne for Melbourne Design Week, 2023
Dacks for Change fundraiser, Decks for Change, No Vacancy Gallery, 2023
Stewardship of Nature, Melton City Council, CS Gallery, 2023
Soft Rage, curated by Gemma Motley, The Motley Bauhaus, 2022
Emma's Dream, interview & campaign, Collarts, 2022
Represent Us, Plan International Australia, 2022
Top Designs exhibition launch guest speaker, 2022
Where are you from?, story, 2021
The Right to Tell your Story, A Call for Justice - The Community Storytelling Project, 2021
Transcendent Futures Exhibition - Centre for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Brown University, 2020
Production assistant for Haiveta by BE. for Biennale of Sydney, 2020
Featured artwork in Next in Colour Zine, Support, 2020
Amplifier Global Open Call Campaign, 2020