Shirin Neshat's artwork caught me off guard. Very rarely do I see work that depicts Muslim subjects, especially works that challenge and explore the meaning behind Islam. What I love about her work is that it takes the ideals of self-doubt and self-criticism and turns them into striking images that evoke so much emotion and complexity. She reminds me a lot of Barbara Kruger. They both challenge their cultures, sometimes being very critical, and always looking out for women. There appears to be a delicate balance between the beauty of the Islamic culture, and the violence that ensues in her homeland.
I chose the picture above because it was the one that spoke to me the most. I've always questioned and thought about the effects of wearing a headdress every day. Some of the women I have met and seen go as far as to cover their entire face from the outside world. In an American culture, your face plays one of the largest roles in defining who you are, where you came from. For someone who has to cover their face, what defines them? Who are they beneath the mask? I've never been especially critical of this cultural norm, but I've always pondered its psychological effects on the women involved.
This women looks particularly unhappy, which makes you wonder...what's wrong? How did she get here? On the other hand, she's adorned with intricate and beautiful designs. This is the tension that draws viewers in. There is an acknowledgement of the culture's beauty here, but alongside it is a sadness and disappointment.
I find Neshat's work especially relevant because of the latest news surrounding war ships from Iran. The ships are nearing U.S. Atlantic borders and causing a huge stir in the government right now. The violence and destruction that parallels with war is seen many times in a country like Iran. But within the women there, Neshat shines light on a complex battle about what is right. She examines what it means to be Iranian, especially to be Muslim, and she dares to ask the questions in a very bare and brave way.
I also like how Neshat explores the Muslim community since it seems rare to find when it comes to art. I find the question you put forth about defining Muslim women intriguing because it is true that in our culture, people define themselves by their appearance. I feel that by wearing the veil or entire cover-up, Muslim women use that to define themselves and that is how they want to be defined. You find everywhere, especially in the United States, a lot of Muslim women who chose to wear a certain dress and do so because they have a lot of pride in their culture and religion.
ReplyDeleteChloe I agree with you about Neshat's work. I think she is trying to portray many issues but at the same time I think she is challenging her own self within the artwork. I think her artwork is very personal for her. Each viewer especially of different religions with see her work very differently. I think many Americans also have prejudices which will change how her artwork is viewed.
ReplyDelete