Philly's 12G creates a home for Desis in the art world

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In many Western museums, representation of the Desi diaspora is rare. When this art is featured, the identity of the artist becomes the focal point, overshadowing the message of their work.

That’s why Philadelphia’s Twelve Gates Arts (12G) is a revelation. In 2009, 12G was established as a nonprofit and experimental incubator space for contemporary South Asian diasporic art. 

Powered by grants, individual donations, members, and art foundations, 12G presents exhibitions, workshops, events, and poetry salons. This vital third space champions underrepresented voices, empowering artists to tell their own stories.

I remember the first time I walked into the art gallery woven into the historic charm of Philadelphia’s Old City. On display were the illuminated works of artist Behnaz Karjoo. I’d never seen art like this as a centerpiece in a gallery or museum before. It felt personal to my identity as a Muslim creative and made me feel seen.

Aisha Zia Khan, executive director and co-founder of 12G, opened the gallery after her son was born and she began contemplating how the world he grew up in would reflect his culture. 

“There is no representation for us,” she said. “Our stories are being shown in pieces here and there — or are being othered.” 

12G’s name is a reference to the ancient city gates in places like Lahore, Delhi, and Jerusalem. Historically, artists lived in the old city and traveled through gates to connect with the wider world.

“We see gates not as walls but open portals to knowledge and exploration,” Khan said.

‘Our existence is political’

12G exhibitions have explored complex themes, including how religion and race shape South Asian lives in the U.S.; the connections among family, displacement, and the state; and the history of community resistance and protests. Through these installations, 12G gives artists a platform to discuss challenging issues — especially for queer, women, trans, and intergenerational artists. 

This intentional focus has, at times, caused tension for the organization, but Khan said they remain dedicated to offering a safe space for everyone.

“Our existence is political,” Khan said. “Our work highlights the difficult but necessary truths that some in the Desi community are resistant to facing. They are uncomfortable with some of the topics we explore because that’s not how they want to be represented. This isn’t fair to the lived experiences of many people in our communities, and it’s time we talk about it.”

Khan emphasized the importance of empowering our community to tell its stories, or risk having our identities vanish. She pointed to the success of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is Desi. 

“Look at the visuals of his campaign,” she said, pointing to examples. “The way he tells his story is different than [the approach of] other politicians. That’s the power of art, and how it can touch everyone’s heart.”

Atif F. Sheikh, the gallery’s curator and other co-founder, seeks to use 12G to examine how colonialism fragmented and changed the way people create art and understand culture. Perceptions of art and culture within the Desi community continue to be shaped by a Western lens, he said, and many of our cultural artifacts are housed in Western institutions.

An example often cited to illustrate this point is the infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was taken from India during British rule. This dazzling part of India’s heritage can only be viewed in the Tower of London, thousands of miles away from its place of origin.

12G’s current exhibition, “Between Material and Being: What Persists, What Emerges,” demonstrates Sheikh’s thoughtful curation. The group exhibition centers queer desire as a lens to liberate art from rigid categorization, encouraging fluid interpretations rather than one “right” way to understand the pieces.

“Our role at 12G isn’t to validate or complete anything, but to create conditions where our work can be seen and discussed on its own terms, without requiring Western institutional frameworks to make it legible,” he explained.

Impact and legacy

12G’s efforts to honor all Desi identities, regardless of religion or caste, are further evident in how the organization creates opportunities for South Asian artists to evolve and connect with other institutions.

Recently, Haraz Coffee House, a popular Yemeni coffee chain, asked 12G to commission an artist for a new location in Fishtown. Honoring Philadelphia’s reputation as a city of murals, the gallery invited Pakistani calligrapher Zahid Mayo to create a mural for Haraz. 

“Spaces like 12G are very important for artists,” Mayo said. “They provide not only opportunities but also a sense of community and a support system that helps artists grow and sustain their practices.” 

Mayo said he personally knows many artists who have received invaluable support from 12G, enabling them to continue their artistic journeys.

As I wrapped up my conversation with Khan, she noted the urgent need for greater visibility and presence from the Desi community at cultural events.

“We need to get out more,” she said. “With everything happening in the world today, our community needs to show up and support each other.”

Khan makes a valid point. When I tell fellow Desis about 12G, most are surprised that a space like this even exists. And when they visit, what they see changes their ideas of what’s possible for our community in the art world.

 Ifrah Akhtar is the associate editor of Central Desi.

Upcoming events this week (Nov. 4 - Nov. 11)

November 4 - Election Day 📣
Get out and vote today! Find voting information here, including an assistance hotline in multiple languages.

November 6-13 - Teaneck International Film Festival
Celebrating 20 years, the film festival presents a collection of compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts from a variety of cultures. Saffron Kingdom, which we previously wrote about, will be screened on 11/9 at 3:00 PM at this year’s festival. A panel discussion will follow the screening.
Get tickets and information here.

November 10 - Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen
6 PM - 7:15 PM
Princeton Public Library: Community Room
Cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji and her son, Auyon Mukharji, will discuss their cookbook, Heartland Masala, which pairs 99 recipes with cultural and historical essays. Ambreen Ali, founder of Central Desi, will be moderating.
This is a free event; more details here.

November 9 & 11 - Twelve Gates Arts Contemporary Video Art Exhibition
Nov 9: Screening from 12-2 PM
Nov 11: Screening and Conversation from 6-8:30 PM
106 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
This annual event celebrates the work of artists from South and South-West Asia, North Africa (SSWANA), as well as artists of indentured Indian descent and their diasporas. The event is co-presented by Twelve Gates Arts and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.
Register here.

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