Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-born illustrator and animator based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work delves into themes of sisterhood, communal experiences, and identity, often portraying women of color in healing spaces to challenge Western beauty standards.
Duwaji holds a BFA in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City . Her artistic practice spans illustration, animation, and ceramics, with a focus on creating deeply emotional and expressive works.
She has collaborated with prominent clients such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern . Additionally, Duwaji contributed original illustrations to the 2025 Restless Classics edition of The 1,001 Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folktales.
In early 2025, Duwaji married Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s office . The couple met on the dating app Hinge and got engaged in Dubai in December 2024.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Heritage
Rama Duwaji was born in Damascus, Syria. She spent a significant part of her early life in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where her family resides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she lived with her family in Dubai before moving to New York City around 2021.
Family and Upbringing
Details about Duwaji’s parents and family life are not publicly disclosed. However, her multicultural background and experiences in various countries have influenced her artistic perspective and themes.
Education
Duwaji holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. She furthered her education with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Career
Artistic Practice
Duwaji’s work is characterized by its exploration of identity, heritage, migration, and the everyday intimacy of community. She uses drawn portraiture and movement to examine the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences. Her illustrations often challenge Western beauty standards by depicting women of color in healing spaces.
Notable Collaborations
She has collaborated with prominent clients such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern. Additionally, Duwaji contributed original illustrations to the 2025 Restless Classics edition of The 1,001 Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folktales.
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Other Artistic Endeavors
In addition to her digital work, Duwaji creates hand-built ceramics. She combines her love for illustration and pottery to create handmade, illustrated plates and enjoys sharing these skills through ceramic workshops.
Personal Life
Relationship with Zohran Mamdani
Duwaji met Zohran Mamdani on the dating app Hinge. They bonded over their shared love of music and art. The couple got engaged in December 2024 in Dubai and married in early 2025 in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s office.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Duwaji’s estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed. Her income is derived from her work as an illustrator, animator, and ceramicist, with notable collaborations with high-profile clients.
Conclusion
Rama Duwaji’s journey from Damascus to New York City reflects a narrative of resilience and artistic expression. Through her work, she challenges societal norms and provides a platform for underrepresented voices. Her partnership with Zohran Mamdani further underscores her commitment to community and cultural identity. As she continues to evolve as an artist and individual, Duwaji remains a significant figure in the contemporary art scene.
FAQs
Who is Rama Duwaji?
Rama Duwaji is a Syrian-born illustrator, animator, and ceramicist based in Brooklyn, New York.
What is her educational background?
Duwaji holds a BFA in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Who are her notable clients?
She has worked with The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern.
What themes does her artwork explore?
Her work explores identity, heritage, migration, and the everyday intimacy of community, often depicting women of color in healing spaces.
What other artistic endeavors does she pursue?
In addition to her digital work, Duwaji creates hand-built ceramics and conducts ceramic workshops.
How did she meet her husband, Zohran Mamdani?
Duwaji met Mamdani on the dating app Hinge, and they married in early 2025 in a civil ceremony at the New York City Clerk’s office.
What is her stance on public life?
Duwaji has maintained a low public profile, focusing on her artistic work rather than public appearances.
What is her estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Duwaji’s estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed.
