Going into the whole thing I was really interested in what I would be seeing. I have had many previous encounters with those of Muslim faith and I was really excited. I served my mission in Mozambique where there is a large population of Muslims, and I loved being around them because they were so happy and respectful. I tried to go into the art exhibit with that same attitude, and it really benefitted me. I absolutely loved the exhibit. The texts on scrolls, tablets, and parchment were fascinating to me, possibly even my favorite part. I thought it was interesting that even though all of the art was different from our culture it was still relatable. Things that are important to us are also important to them and it’s cool to see how art can bridge the gap of difference and ignorance. One of the things that I liked the very most is how much of the art had letters, writing, and inscriptions. I feel like words can be our greatest tool and can be considered art. Our culture doesn’t really focus on that when it comes to visual art. Sure we have books, short stories, poems, and things like that- but you don’t expect to see it in an art exhibit. We expect paintings, sculptures, and visually stimulating art. The fact that Muslim artists do such a great job of combining the two is beautiful.
I felt like in every piece of art there was a piece of the Islam religion. God plays such a huge part in their everyday lives that God and art are so intertwined and connected it kind of makes me wish I were a part of it. Even their religious texts were considered art. In Christianity I feel like we sometimes miss the mark. We get a little too wrapped up in depicting the biggest moments that we miss the depictions of God in our everyday.
The geometry and pattern in Islamic art was beautiful. I feel like it really brings a sense of peace and harmony. I know that sounds cliché, but that’s what I feel. As I walked through the exhibit I really was so relaxed and it gave me some time to reflect.
After going through the exhibit I realize that so many of us get wrapped up in trying to make these big majestic films, that sometimes it’s better to take a step back and think, “what will make my audience think. How can I inspire them.” I don’t know if that makes sense, but I really loved the exhibit and it really has helped me see a new side of creativity.
I really enjoyed the blog post. It is really unfortunate how naive some people are about the Muslim culture due to all of the terrorism. I remember studying the Muslim culture in my history class and I have found that the Muslim religion is similar to Christianity in the sense that there are many forms of Christianity due to many different interpretations of the Bible. I think just how the due to the many different interpretations of the Bible there are different interpretations of the Koran and unfortunately some understand it to act violently, but most understand it as a book of piece. There are many people in the Muslim culture who are very peaceful people and I thought it was well portrayed in the art work. When you look at their art work you don't see violence, or death, you see beauty, masterpiece and creativity.
ReplyDeleteI can totally see what you mean by "I wished I could be apart of it". Even if it wasn't for very long it would be very interesting to get away from current life and live a completely different one as far as religion and everything, just to get the grand perspective and scheme of things in other cultures. Looking at the God in a completely different way, but glorifying him in the same way would really be an experience.
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