Art Criticism Paper (Essay Sample)

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Art Criticism Paper
Denise Ryan of Vancouver Sun in his column- titled Kamloops student's artwork sparks controversy over the portrayal of Muslim dress- reviews the perception of the Muslim society. The student in the artwork is Sooray Graham. This paper, therefore, seeks to illuminate critically the challenges women face with respect to expectations the society embeds in them (Denis Para 1).
Sooray Graham is a woman who subscribes to the Muslim faith. In her fourth year project at Thomson Rivers University, she displays a mural photograph depicting a Muslim woman in full Islamic dress holding a bra across the chest. Later, she overhears a woman who also subscribes to her faith say that she had stripped down the display (Denis Para1). Consequently, this sparks a public debate about cultural perception, community representation and modalities of determining if a content is explicit or not (explicit materials require censorship). The resounding differences in opinion ring around every corner of the country as well as other Islamic states concerning the work. To the Muslim faithful the photograph was offensive while to other communities it was otherwise. Stripping down the display leaves more questions than answers. More often, we encounter things we don't like or those that we shall never embrace (Denis Para 3). That does not mean if you don't love something then you do away with it especially if you don't own it. It is uncouth, retrogressive and derogative to act in such a manner. For people to exist in harmony in the society, it is prudent to be tolerant and accommodative to individuals even if their perceptions (convictions) contradict our opinions and beliefs (Abu-Lughod 28).
The woman in question who had removed the displayed photograph when approached by Graham was reluctant to give back the photograph. She grudgingly gave it back due to the involvement of the administration. The management of the institution of fine arts (Thompson Rivers University) analyzed the content of the artwork and found it not to be offensive. The institution resonates with the resonance of freedom expression. Moreover, literature in all forms is used to mirror the societal misgivings and happenings. Graham opted to use her work to bring to light that Muslim women are just like other women despite being vilified. However, one thing that strikingly stands out from the controversial photograph is that individuals with different views, opinion, beliefs and convictions got together to discuss and talk about the controversy. Through these forums, people of varied background get to embrace each other and appreciate cultural differences (Abu-Lughod 28).
Muslim religion expects women to carry out themselves with a lot of decorum and sobriety that is a good thing. Ethical standards help in guiding how decisions are made and illuminate the limits on actions. There are those of the opinion that label rules of the Muslim culture as intolerant and suppressive to the girl child. The photograph of Graham can be interpreted in various aspects. For an instant, Graham defends her photograph by asserting that her intentions were geared towards enlightening the society that Muslim women wear undergarment too. Besides, she further suggests that women in the Muslim community are veiled to an extent that alienates the human nature in them (Daniel Para 3). It has to be said in the strongest word possible that there are some cultures that are so retrogressive that in this century should be denounced (Abu-Lughod 28). The world over, there are campaigns for gender equality. Women in most communities have been suppressed far too long, and those that have significantly advocated for the injustices have had their way for too long hence the need to stand tall (Subedi 78). Women ought to be encouraged to embrace feminism. Double standards should not be applicable in the fight for gender equality. When a man commits something that is offensive or uncultured the society tends to be forgiving. On the other hand, when it comes women, they are often judged and condemned using the strongest terms possible in a manner that can take the life out of an individual (Azam 11). For an instant, sections of Saudi community out rightly and outspokenly came to the attack on Graham's photograph without filtering the intended connotations embedded in the photograph on the screen of reality. Many a time's people actions are blinded by the conscious of their beliefs and culture. Anything contrary to social expectations is wished away without using high definition quality glasses to examine critically the situations in questions (Azam Para 11).
Women are enemies to themselves. The first person to attack the fine piece of art by Graham is a woman who is driven by her convictions rather than to support Graham since they are the oppressed lot. Furthermore, the fight for gender equality requires different fronts and women are expected to be at the forefront. It would have been encouraging if women more so those lenient to Islamic laws would have come out strongly in support of the mural print (Denis para 2).