AFRIDA AHMED
“MOTH TO A FLAME”
moth to a flame presents intensity and effervescence as it relates to my neurodivergent experience. heightened emotional sensitivities push curiosity and satisfaction to their extremes, much like a moth is drawn to light. risograph printing mimics the layering of sensory input and pursuit of euphoria, achieved in a final print. images in collage map the people, places, and feelings that incite this euphoria.
farid ud-din attar—a 12th-century sufi muslim poet—writes of moths as they seek the truth about a candle light. two failed attempts prompt a third most curious moth to engulf himself in the flame. the moth is unable to return with the answers revealed to him; the mentor of the moths asserts:
“ To go beyond all knowledge is to find
That comprehension which eludes the mind,
And you can never gain the longed-for goal
Until you first outsoar both flesh and soul; ”
- farid ud-din attar
(excerpt from the moths and the flame)
ABOUT
Afrida Ahmed is a photo-based artist born and raised in Queens, NYC. Afrida’s practice is rooted in analog process, and extends to book-making and fiber arts. Their work is motivated by liberation efforts as they explore themes of intimacy, familiar space, and queer identity. Afrida began working with images in the darkroom at the International Center of Photography, and has since continued to work in educational spaces as a teaching assistant. Afrida formerly interned at Printed Matter Inc. and the Penumbra Foundation Tintype Studio, and is currently interning at Secret Riso Club in Bushwick. Afrida is planning to continue their work in small-press and independent publishing spaces following graduation.
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