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The Muslim experience on canvas
(Gulf News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)22 artists seek to narrow the cultural divide at the Sharjah Art Museum
International artists are collaborating to close the gap between cultures and correct the stereotypical image of Muslims.
The artists will send across the message of peaceful interaction and tolerance through their works displayed at the British Council's international exhibition which opened yesterday at the Sharjah Art Museum.
Twenty-two artists from nine countries are participating in the exhibition whose theme is Common Ground: Aspects of Contemporary Muslim Experience in the UK, Middle East and South East Asia.
The artists will explore the theme of identity and belonging through the eyes of Muslims and non-Muslims.
International success
Initially launched in the UK in 2001, the series on Muslim life is now successful on an international level. The exhibition has already travelled to Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Bahrain, and will go on to Saudi Arabia. Common Ground combines the work of established artists with that of new talent.
"Common Ground was originally conceived by the British Council to highlight the issue of cultural identity among Muslims in the UK, and to explore these stereotypes," said Rob Lynes, regional director for the British Council.
Soraya Talismail, a Malysian artist whose work on a family portrait series is currently on display, said inter-racial marriages are common in her country and we take it for granted. "We don't know what problems there are before marriage. I wanted to explore that," she said.
Her pictures depict the way families are bound together before and after marriage and how religion plays an important role in relationships and society. "It is very important to understand and accept other religions," she said.
Complex issues
"This exhibition looks at the complex issue of how individuals maintain their core beliefs in a variety of different contexts; how their beliefs help define and sustain them, and how their beliefs flow into the world around them," said Andrea Rose, director of art, architecture and design at the British Council.
The exhibition is accompanied by a number of activities on the subject of cultural identity, including workshops, seminars and a UAE national photographic competition for 17- to 25-year-olds.
Common Ground Exhibition
When: February 7-28 Where: Sharjah Art Museum. Time: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday from 9am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Fridays 5-8pm. Later: The exhibition will continue at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, fromMarch 8-18 .
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