Mohammed Z. Rahman is a British-Bengali painter, illustrator and writer from East London. A social anthropology graduate (BA, SOAS), he approaches art as both an intimate and political force. Drawing on global, queer, self-reflexive and critical perspectives Mohammed’s work celebrates his communities’ dreams, disrupts violent power structures and makes peace with the unspeakable chaos of the world.
Rahman had his debut solo show of paintings at Phillida Reid in 2023 and developed the visual identity and exhibited work as part of the Brent Biennial 2022. Mohammed’s practice also includes zinemaking and clothing design. In 2021, he undertook an artist’s residency at the Apocalypse Reading Room, London, curated by Ama Josephine Budge and supported by Artsadmin. Mohammed has illustrated and written for grassroots organisations including Gal-Dem, Nijjor Manush, clavmag, Writing Our Legacy, Failsafe Magazine, Skin Deep Magazine, Aire Place Studios and The Willowherb Review.
Photo credit: Jade Chao
Mohammed writes in the introduction to ‘Pavement Flowers’:
Pavement Flowers is a zine-making and colouring activity starring edible and medicinal flora from urban areas in the UK. This zine speaks to my series of paintings, Unfurnished (2022), installed at Kingsgate Project Space as part of the Brent Biennial 2022.
The adaptability of plants that thrive in cities is a metaphor for the histories of migrants who have made homes in the UK through acts of care and resistance. This resource aims to share knowledge and joy with people affected by the hostile environment policy as part of the biennial’s theme, “In the House of My Love”.
Download Pavement Flowers commissioned by Flatness for Brent Biennial 2022 on the occasion of a special misery medicine workshop for kids at Kingsgate Project Space, NW6. Follow the instructions below to construct your A3 zine.
