Another Way of Looking: Influences from Islam

I know I should post new thoughts and articles on here but I want to share with you in the next two posts, projects and ideas that were completed in the past two years. This is mainly because, in my opinion,  these projects are relevant to what is happening in today's political and social sphere. In this post I will share with you an exhibition I curated for the Cleveland State University Art Gallery (May 21st to June 26 2010) titled: Another Way of Looking:Influences from Islam. In the next post I will share with you the reason why I titled this blog an(other)-the title comes from a different exhibition that I installed. In both posts I  will be presenting new ideas that will branch out from these two exhibitions (for one, I will be looking at the interior designing, and decoration of Arab restaurants that I have been too since I moved to Ann Arbor)

So how are these two shows relevant? The reason is found in the intention to why both exhibitions were created. With the debates, rising tension and hostility caused by the 'Ground Zero Mosque" (the not-a-mosque-not-at-ground-zero) issue; Islam is being looked at in the utmost negative light, just like after 9/11. When I was invited to curate a contemporary ‘Islamic Art’ exhibition I was honored and overwhelmed. Islam is the fastest growing religion and yet it is misunderstood and misrepresented. In the West, it is difficult to invoke ‘Islamic’ images without calling up an entry from the war on terror. Even as a Muslim, I have become immune to the disparaging of Muslims in our country and abroad.

Why is it that every time a ‘terrorist’ attack or a crime is committed the person’s ‘Islamic’ religion is emphasized? When CNN reported the Austin plane crash no account of Andrew Joseph Stack’s faith was given. The terror that he caused was labeled as a “crime being investigated” and not what is should have been called, a terrorist act. Why can't Muslims build an Islamic Community Center in New York, 5 blocks away from Ground Zero? Why is Pastor Terry Jones going to burn Korans? We do not get objective answers to these questions, instead the media  generalizes and exploits these events which in turn represent Muslims and Islam in a vilifying manner. Moderate, successful, Muslims and American Muslims are usually not interviewed by reporters and when they are unfortunately they resort to defending themselves and their beliefs. Instead you have news anchors trying to find a link between Iran and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. That is why this exhibition was created. It was to bring together a group of people interested in learning about Islam through dialogue and art and to take another look at this 'mysterious' religion without the biases and inaccuracy of the news.


           
The artists of Another Way of Looking: Influences from Islam offer us a way out of the violence and mayhem that seems to always be taking place in the Middle East and the rising tensions of Islam in the United States. As they take another look at Islam, a more realistic portrayal of its spiritual teachings that has been veiled behind our mass media are shared.
           
The Islamic civilization has been a significant connection to our modern world. Abbas Ibn Firnas dreamt about flying and invented the first slider, at age seventy, 1000 years before the Wright Brothers. Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) laid the foundation of modern cameras by explaining optics and found a way of projecting an image to another surface through a small hole in a dark room now known as camera obscura. Miriam al-Isterlabi is one of the first known female scientists who made sophisticated astrolabes. These are a small example of discoveries made in the Middle Ages, a period in the history books which refers inaccurately, as 'dark ages'. Indeed in the Muslim world, the period between approximately 600 to at 1600 AD was a time for the prolific creative research, science, technology and engineering. It was a time of positive encounter of cultural transmission that has been forgotten and lost.  This exhibition is a continuation of this positive cultural transmission.  The artists who are Muslim are making artwork in a Western environment and for a Western audience, while the artists who are of a different faith are exploring different aspects of Islam and its similarities to monotheistic religions.


Another Way of Looking: Influences from Islam approaches its subject from a variety of perspectives that encompasses how Islam is believed to be a way of life. Three main aspects of Islam are explored: Spirituality, Worship and Identity.


Spirituality: a Muslim is one whose actions seek the pleasure of Allah and to draw nearer his lord. By this brief definition, all actions undertaken for the pleasure of Allah are spiritual because they link the material action with the purpose of life.


Worship in Islam does not only mean ritualistic practices such as praying and fasting but is a comprehensive definition that includes almost everything in any individual's activities.

By combining both spirituality and worship an understanding of Identity can be achieved. The Islamic Identity is taken to mean the way of life of the Muslim – an all-encompassing set of beliefs, practices, ideologies and morals as derived from the Qur'an and the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).   A great poet, philosopher of Islam, Allama Iqbal was asked,
“Which country do you belong to?” he said, “Islam is my country

Classical traditions in Islamic Art that have become well known in the West include, for example, calligraphy and architecture, are repurposed by some of these artists in the context of contemporary society. This exhibition presents contemporary works by Muslims and Non Muslims alike who are influenced by various aspects of the Islamic religion. Quotes from the Quran, and teachings by the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon Him) are explored.  Each piece goes beyond the common understanding of worship as the performance of religious rituals, and encompasses the whole of human life, individual as well as social.           

           

In Salma Arastu’s work, all the figures are drawn with the same line. It is not clear where one begins or ends. The figures are created as a group, as a whole in harmony. In a more abstract way, Arastu represents how a communion plays a central role in Islam. Her subjects include people who, whatever they do, they do together. They celebrate together, they grieve together, and they pray together. The unity of origin, the equality of humanness, coincides with Islamic teachings 

 

Azra Aksamija’s Wearable Mosques aims to redefine traditional forms and functions of mosques in the contemporary context. According an oral Hadith, a Muslim does not need to stand in a consecrated place to say his prayers; the whole earth is called a mosque. Prayer can be performed anywhere, at home or in a dedicated space. Many of Aksamija’s projects are further inspired by geometric patterns that adorn the surfaces of monumental Islamic architecture, such as mosques. These designs can be understood as the unifying intermediary between the material and the spiritual world, which expresses the logic and order inherent in the Islamic vision of the universe.

The Arabic letters in Huda Totonji’s paintings of  Islamic calligraphy transcend the surface of the canvas. They travel into a higher realm beyond reality. They enter into the realm of spirituality, which nourishes the mind, the spirit, and the soul. Calligraphy has arguably become the most venerated form of Islamic art because the Arabic script was the means of transmission of the Qur'an. The holy book of Islam, has played an important role in the development and evolution of the Arabic language, and by extension, calligraphy in the Arabic alphabet.


“It is believed that if anyone wishes to come closer to God, one can see the strong affect that Arabic Calligraphy has on those who do not even speak Arabic or read it. God puts the strong will in the eyes of those who view the Quranic script. It is as if the viewer is standing in front of God, whether this viewer is an Arab, non-Arab, Muslim, or non-Muslim. It is believed that whoever wants to experience this feeling will simultaneously experience feelings of fear as well as spiritual enlightenment. Among those who are spiritually enriched by admiring Islamic calligraphy are those who come to view this calligraphy for the sake of cultural enlightenment and educational interests. Indeed, one may read the verses of the Holy Quran in any language, but there is a special feel to it when it is recited in the Arabic language. This is due to the beauty of the text with its poetic meaning.” Huda Totonji

Susanne Slavick has immersed herself in an ongoing search to establish connections between Islamic culture and her own. Rebirth: Eve’s Escort is influenced by a quote in the Qur’an that describes the first creation.  Her piece is an interpretation of how the Qur’an places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their transgression. Muslims believe that both Adam and Eve asked Allah for forgiveness and were both forgiven. Allah punishes no one for another’s fault. 

Andrew Johnson and Asma Shikoh use the veil as an object to explore identity. The veil has come to be looked upon only as an article of clothing worn by Muslim women that signifies a rigid distinction between the West and the East. It now serves as a reminder of the incommensurability between Western and Islamic societies. Johnson’s video provokes the viewers’ associations and assumptions regarding fashion, identity, religious practice and cultural stereotypes concerning the covering of hair.  It intends to show similarities in meaning and purpose of the veil among Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  The commonality that these religions share in regards to the veil is that the concept of covering the head is associated with a general sense of propriety. Johnson also attempts to reveal the veil’s significant history in these three major religions.

Asma Shikoh’s painting has a more spiritual and personal approach to exploring the veil; she specifically focuses on the Hijab (the scarf adorned by Muslim women). Shikoh highlights “he role of individual practices in the shaping of a unique national identity.” Each painting represents a different individual lacking facial features. This references how one has her own unique individuality but is part of a greater community. Muslim women who chose to wear the hijab do so for numerous reasons. The most common reason is out of piety. It acts as a constant reminder of the presence of Allah and as an act of worship.  Those committed to the hijab style wear it in a variety of different ways and in variety of different colors.             

 As an artist myself I was asked to participate in the exhibition. This is one of the two series I exhibited.

When Prophet Ibrahim built the Holy Shrine in Makka, his prayers were that this place should remain a centre of worship for all good and pious people. Prophet Ibrahim with his son Ishmael built this House for devout worship to one God. This Holy Shrine has gathered millions of pilgrims across the world every year for Hajj. It is the only place that individuals are not judged by their race or class. The required attire is simple and unified. Now in the 21st century the Ka’aba as a cube structure has not changed despite the constant changes surrounding the city. Mekka, like most cities in the world has been touched by globalization and modernization. The city went from being a desert to having simple buildings to sky scrappers and franchising restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken.  This piece shows the development and progress in time of the city, emphasizing the basic principles of the Islamic faith has remained the same. The last image is an encompassing future projection of how the city might become while the Ka’aba remains the same.

More Artist Statements can be found here:

http://www.csuohio.edu/artgallery/2009-2010/AnotherWayLooking/

There are over 800 million Muslims worldwide. Despite their obvious cultural differences, spirituality brings these people together. They worship one God and are committed to their Muslim identity.  Islam is over 1400 years old. As people, traditions and cultures constantly change, the basic principle of the Islamic faith has remained the same.These artists are of different nationalities and different faiths. Each artist explores a different concept, medium, technique and style. But despite their religious, cultural, professional and artistic differences they have one thing in common: Islam has influenced the artwork exhibited in this show. This exhibition highlights the realistic Islam that millions follow; the unity in differences, and the harmony in the collective.

As I stated earlier: worship in Islam does not only mean ritualistic practices such as praying and fasting. It also means a comprehensive definition that includes almost everything in any individual's activities. For me, curating this exhibition was an act of worship and for some of these artists, so is making artwork.

A Letter to Pastor Terry Jones

I can’t remember when the first time the issue of “Ground Zero Mosque” started, but it seems like it was a long time ago and every day new debates, new articles, new videos are posted and discussed about building a mosque near “hallowed grounds”.  I am not going to take the time to discuss the incorrect title of Ground Zero Mosque or comment on how this debate has caused religious tensions and intolerance around the country. But I mention the “not-a-mosque-at-not-ground-zero because of it is connected to something worse that is going to happen that I believe needs a little more attention. It is about another religious issue that again, places Muslims in the ‘Other’ category.

Now if building an Islamic Center five blocks away and not anywhere in view of Ground Zero amounts to Muslim insensitivity (according to critics of the project) then what should we make of Pastor Terry Jones, who plan on burning Qur’ans on September 11 2010? In a segment with Rick Sanches on CNN’s Rick’s List Jones claims that by doing this (I can not find one word to describe how crazy, insensitive, offensive and horrid this is) Jones is saying “Stop to Islam, Stop to Islamic Law and Stop to Brutality” and goes on to say how he does not understand why people defend Islam and uses the example of  “why defend oppression and Saudi Arabia when women can’t have driving licenses”.
In response to Jones’s plans and to his reasoning I wrote him a letter that I want to share with you.

Dear Pastor Terry Jones,

First of all, my question is what is to be gained from burning Qurans?  How will offending 1.5 billion Muslims world wide by burning their holy book be beneficial to anyone, including yourself and your beliefs? Don’t you think that this act will just cause more problems? Don’t you remember what happened when a Danish cartoonist published a cartoon about Prophet Mohammed? You argue that the reaction of Muslims and the death threats that you received prove the inherent violence in the Islamic Religion. Well that is the most illogical argument I have heard because basically what you are doing is similar to igniting fire with lighter fluid.  These issues are not taken lightly and should not be. Can you imagine the hurt; the frustration and anger Muslims worldwide will feel by your proposed actions? Did you consider the effects that this might have on American troops abroad, in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Tell me how you would react if Muslims start burning bibles…..
(I can tell you right now that it won’t happen. Islam teaches us to respect and honor the Bible and Torah. We believe in Jesus and His message.)
The disheartening thing is that that you are defending your plan by claiming that you are in American and have freedoms.  I don’t think this is what our forefathers intended when they gave us those freedoms. Seriously, give me, a Muslim American, a reason to why you are going to burn my Holy book. I guarantee none will be good enough but saying you want to “Stop Islam” is not an argument. In all honestly I think what you claim to be a protest will cause the deaths of 9/11 victims to go in vain.  You are proving to the terrorists of 9/11 that America is a country of ignorance and hatred and that America is the enemy of Islam. That was their argument and is still their argument. 

Have you thought about the aftermath of what this might lead to? I do not have the authority to label this indented act as a terrorist act but I believe it to be one. You are terrorizing Muslim Americans and their confidence and security of their own country. After your global protest in less than a couple of weeks, how do you think Muslims in American will feel? Will any be comfortable in their own country? You will be the cause of more hate crimes. The peace, the tolerance, the understanding of one another and our differences are values I believes this country stood for. Because of you, and people like you I now fear what this country will become. The brutality that needs to be stopped is what you are planning Pastor Jones.

Now, if you picked up the Quran and read it in its context you would not be planning this horrid event. Which scares me. You said plainly: “I have no experience with it [Qur’an] whatsoever. I only know what the Bible says.” That statement alone refutes everything you are trying to do. You cannot “Stop Islam” if you do not know what it teaches. If you truly tried to understand the message of Islam you would understand why people are defending it. Islam is a religion that gives its believers hope for tomorrow. It brings people together from all over the world as they stand side by side and while prostrating to the same lord. Islam shows the unity in differences, and the harmony in the collective. Do you honestly think that if Islam were a religion of violence 1.5 billion people would follow it? It is the fastest growing religion for a reason. How many people convert to Christianity at your church? At my local mosque alone we have converts to Islam every month. Have you ever tried to figure why that is? If Islam were a religion of violence then wouldn’t we hear about more violence against “non-believers” in Indonesia, Malaysia, China, India, Pakistan, Europe, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunis, Syria, Jordon, Lebanon, South Africa, South America, Canada. Really, just anywhere in the world, but we don’t, do we. Unfortunately, we do hear of violence caused by a few people who claim to be Muslim, but they target specific structures for political reasons. But you are basing your conclusion on one horrific event that was caused by 19 individuals from 1.5billion Muslims.You do that math.

As a spokesman for the Christian faith, do you think God is happy with your plans? Do you think your God would want you to hurt other individuals who believe in Him. If you truly believe God is on your side, then I am sorry to tell you God is not.

There is only one God : He is the compassionate, the All merciful, the absoule ruler the pure one the source of peace the inspirer of faith the guardian the victorious the compeller the greatest the creator the maker of order the shaper of beauty the forgiving the subduer the giver of all the sustainer the opener the knower of all the constrictor the reliever the abaser the exalter the bestowner of honors the humiliator the hearer of all the seer of all the judge the just the subtle one the all-aware the forbearing the magnificent the forgiver and hider of faults the rewarder of thankfulness the highest the greatest the preserver the nourisher the accounter the mightly the generous the watchful one the all comprehending the perfectly wise the loving one the majestic one the witness the truth the trustee the possessor of all strength the forceful one the governer the praised one the appraiser the originator the restorer the giver of life the taker of life the ever living one the self existing one the finder the glorious the only one the one the satisfier of all needs the all powerful the creator of all power the expediter the delayer the first the last the manifest one the hidden on the protecting friend the supreme one the doer of good the guide to repentance the avenger the forgiver the clement the owner of all the lord of majesty and bounty the equitable one the gatherer the rich one the enricher the preventer of harm the creator of the harmful the creator of good  the light the guide the originator the everlasting one the inheritor of all the righteous teacher the patient one.

Those are the ninety-nine names of God, the God that Muslims worship, the God that brought Islam to guide them in this world. The God that unfortunately has been used to legitimize actions that He would denounce, actions done by alleged Muslims. What happened on 9/11 affected everyone in the United States and in the world. However Muslims in American and Muslims abroad are the ones paying the price nine years later. Your actions will not affect the terrorists, (it will definitely anger them) but your actions will affect the lives of fellow American citizens. People, who want to worship God peacefully, keep their jobs, have a family and live in American like everyone else. You will be taking that away from individuals whom you probably never met.


Your next argument makes no sense to me. People defend Islam because it’s misunderstood by many of the public and by you. What brings Saudi Arabia and women can’t drive into the argument? Is that why you are burning Qurans? If you are to understand Islam fully you would understand that no where in Islam does it state Women Can Not Drive. I am more than happy to get into a discussion with you on Women’s rights in Islam in another letter (which existed long before our constitution added the 19th amendment by the way). But if you are upset and truly believe that Saudi Arabia is an oppressive country (again, this needs another long discussion and is not the point of this letter) do you honestly think burning Qurans will change that? Not only is this a terrorizing horrid unnecessary act but also I truly believe you will not change anything by doing it. Nothing will stop Islam, as it is the number one fastest growing religion, for reasons I honestly think you should sit down and objectively figure out. All that you are doing is hurting fellow citizens, making them feel unsafe and destroying the values of our country.

I know this letter won’t make you change your mind. But you want to stand up and do something about what you believe in and so did I. I just chose a more civilized, respectful way of doing it because I am a Muslim and this is how we are taught we should act. I also will not hold the rest of Christian America responsible for your actions.