Boundless Plains - The Afghan Cameleers
The Islamic Museum of Australia sponsored a trip for Muslim artists from different states to learn about the history of Muslims in Australia.
We set off to Adelaide to learn about the Afghan cameleers and thier contirbutions, building the outback with their camels.
Scroll down to see my artwork and to listen to some audio poetry!
Building the Outback
Title: Building the outback
Artist name: Rania Omar
Medium/media: Multi-medium piece with acrylic paint, embroidery and found items.
Dimensions: 135cm x 223cm
Year: 2025
This piece was inspired by the Boundless trip taken with the Islamic Museum of Melbourne through Adelaide's outback. The Afghan cameleers (who came from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Iran and Egypt) and their camels played a huge role in building the infrastructure and communities we see today in the outback. The pattern at the top of the work was inspired by the Adelaide memorial for the Afghan cameleers. Centred is a Cameleer on his camel, travelling the Australian desert. On the right and left are the minarets from Adelaide mosque. Each element comes from a key moment and learning in this trip. .