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an Muslim today. Here Abdul shows and explains his amazing photographic art. He says: "In my talk I spoke about personal experiences growing up as a Muslim in Australia, and how I feel my identity has been politicised. I spoke about how the events of 9/11 and the War of Terror effected my family and my understanding and relationship with the world. These experiences influenced how I make art and how I use my practice as a vehicle for effecting positive change. Domestically I feel a move towards jingoism has given rise to events like the Cronulla riots, the Reclaim Australia movement and a general anti-Islam sentiment. These divisive attitudes and actions act as obstacles to any real sense of belonging or commonality, leaving segments of the community marginalised and disaffected." Abdul Abdullah is an artist from Perth whose practice explores the identity and experience of marginalised members of the Australian community. His works are driven by symbolism and personal experience. He has been the recipient of various grants and awards including the Blake Prize for Human Justice in 2011 and most recently, he was named finalist in the Archibald Prize for his portrait of artist and activist Richard Bell. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx