The first thing I noticed about Neshat’s artwork was its exquisite beauty. As opposed to simplistic and direct meaning of some work we have been looking at over the past few weeks, I feel that Neshat has provided us a bit of change of pace from the pieces we have been viewing previously. In fact, in my opinion I feel as though a large aspect of her work has to do with the idea of beauty in and out. For example, the women portrayed in Neshat’s pieces are still fully clothed even though her work is also meant to expose the world of her native Islamic Iran. I feel that this is saying, though, that even though societies such as Iran require women to be covered in public, no amount of concealment will ever hide ones true beauty. I also really enjoy her inclusion of Arabic text into things such as the clothing or along skin lines in her pieces; I think Arabic is such a gorgeous language, both spoken and written.
Secondly, I feel as though Neshat’s art not only acts as a statement to the conservative Islamic world, but also acts as a bridge to the “western” world in attempt to coax understanding out of the people of the western world, especially Americans. Media and just plain ignorance have unfortunately formed this illusion of the stereotypical Arab and Islamic society here in the US, and Neshat’s art attempts to break this monster of a misunderstanding.
The image I posted is by Neshat herself, but I chose it because I feel like it might be misinterpreted by a lot of people who view it, at least in y opinion. The woman in the image is holding a rifle, but instead of it standing as a symbol of war or rebellion, I feel like the gun barrel simply stands as a symbol of inner strength and independent responsibility.
Secondly, I feel as though Neshat’s art not only acts as a statement to the conservative Islamic world, but also acts as a bridge to the “western” world in attempt to coax understanding out of the people of the western world, especially Americans. Media and just plain ignorance have unfortunately formed this illusion of the stereotypical Arab and Islamic society here in the US, and Neshat’s art attempts to break this monster of a misunderstanding.
The image I posted is by Neshat herself, but I chose it because I feel like it might be misinterpreted by a lot of people who view it, at least in y opinion. The woman in the image is holding a rifle, but instead of it standing as a symbol of war or rebellion, I feel like the gun barrel simply stands as a symbol of inner strength and independent responsibility.
I really like your comment about the beauty of Neshat's work. I too think that her photos are truly beautiful. I wonder why I get this feeling with these photos more so than most of the others we have studied in class. I think it may have something to do with the "foreignness" of them. For example, the text seems very beautiful and mysterious, but if they were written in English, I doubt that I would feel the same, even if they were done by a skilled calligrapher.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these pictures are different than the ones we have typically been looking at (change is good!). Your picture that you posted is also breathtaking. It's very interesting to view and consider.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about the rifle representing "individual responsibility", because that's the essence of any form of power, whether be a gun or a position of leadership. I wonder if Neshat is expressing to Western audiences that, again, Muslim women who wear the hijab and live within that culture have just as much individual responsibility and power than women in any other culture. Just because cultural contexts are different doesn't mean they're better or worse, because there's no accurate comparison..
ReplyDeleteA lot of Neshat's work does embrace and reflect on the ideals of beauty, I must agree. I think there is a strong emphasis on unveiling a hidden beauty, one that's been tucked away within the confines of a culture so private and modest. Each of the women Neshat photographs carry with them a relative simplicity and grace that is unmatchable. Her incorporation of text in her native language incorporates another layer of reflection as well. Really enjoyed your response.
ReplyDeleteI liked your insight into how Neshat can still have extremely beautiful, informative subjects even when they are fully clothed. The application of the arabic text onto the women in her photo's is extremely elegant. You can tell she does not hold a lot of negative connotations with her culture. In many of photos she is embracing it.
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