Object Record
Images
Metadata
Accession Number |
2005.103.00 |
Catalog Number |
2005.103.01 |
Object Name |
Installation |
Collection |
OTHER - Arab Artists Collective Detroit |
Description |
Installation titled "Facing Identity" built for the AANM and a permanent part of the Living in America exhibit by the OTHER Arts Collective. Explores the stereotypes faced by Arab Americans in the media and news. This room includes two large walls that stand on either side of a video projection. The walls show historical and more recent stereotypical depictions, while the video presents a series of street interviews. On the opposite side of the room images of real, everyday people who negative images aim to degrade are portrayed along with a collage of illustrations showing Arabs and Arab Americans contemplating their self-image as they actively take charge of establishing a positive, self-determined identity in an intensity of activity and creativity. Created by OTHER Arab Artist Collective Detroit; Redfan Alqirsh, Mohamad Bazzi, Imad Hassan, Joe Namy, Rola Nashef. Ispired by the work of Jack Shaheen. Special thanks to: Carol Jacobsen, Michael Mansour, Nadine Naber, Lana Rahme, Jacqueline Salloum. "The stereotypes used in depicting Arab Americans are rooted in what scholar Edward Said called Orientalism, the process by which the West portrays the Eastern culture as morally inferior. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European Orientalist artists and writers presented the Arab world as heathen and savage, casting the region as one of the exotic ill-repute while neglecting to recognize the region's contributions to human civilization. Throughout the 20th century, American stereotypes of the Arab world and Arab Americans moved from the elite realms of art and literature into popular culture. Negative images of Arabs have been sustained through songs, television programs, film, consumer products, comic strips and national news media. These portrayals have become ingrained into the public consciousness resulting in real and lasting consequences. Media analyst Jack Shaheen reviewed over 1,000 movies spanning the beginning of film until the present (approx 2000.) Of all the films, 50 portrayed Arabs even handedly, and only 12 contained positive Arab depictions. Hollywood and the media have repeatedly reinforced, recreated, and perpetuated images of barbarians, villains, seducers, sheiks, belly dancers and terrorists. The harmful influences of stereotypes depend not only on the repetition of negative imagery, but also the omission of positive imagery. What is absent are the important images of Arab Americans who have made lasting contributions to society as local business owners, family members, teachers, classmates, artists, engineers, and neighbors. Lies are like dead ashes; when the wind of truth blows, the lies are dispersed like dust… and disappear." |
Artist |
Imad Hassan, Joe Namy, Mohamad Bazzi, Radfan Alqirsh, Rola Nashef |
Title |
Facing Identity |
People |
OTHER Arab Artists Collective Namy, Joe |
Search Terms |
Activist art Arab American art Orientalism |
Subjects |
Art Murals |
Lexicon category |
8: Communication Artifact |
Relation |
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