Let's kill all artists?

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Midwesty
by Midwesty
18-Apr-2008
 

If you are an avid reader of Iranian.com website you should have noticed by now that the site administrators and its founder Mr. Javid have been always walking on a sharp blade. This blade of criticism and spiky accusations sometimes get out of proportionally bitter when the subject comes to Art. Since Art uses common tools and concepts to convey its message some people wrongfully assume that the Art’s message is also common and simple. Far from it, in a true Art there is everything but simplicity.

On the other hand in the long journey that a young artist must pave his path on, he or she explores things that are sometimes out of proportions, out of ordinary and outspoken. This is the requirement for a creative art. Therefore a true artist should not to be afraid of tasting new flavors. However a true artist doesn’t come every so often rather what we see are mostly junky artists. So who is the judge of that? There is no black and white answer for it but time. Time is the best tool to clear out the real from the fake.

What, we as the audience of these artists should do in the mean time? Just observe. Don’t rush into conclusion too quickly. Let them cook their soup and don’t show a bitter face when you don’t like its taste.

I don’t know why but I am accused of being an Islamist. I have no intention to prove you otherwise but heck I play right into it. Quran says that,” People who posses wisdom are the one who listen to different conversations (art is one of them) and pick the best one”. This means that a real Muslim is not a dogmatic one but an open-minded one. So don’t get offended if someone ridicules your culture or your religion or your way of living. It is not easy but we should do our best to maintain our cool.

In addition, Quran again says, that when you see a crowd of people insulting Islam, get away from them. Do not harm Islam by defending it in a hostile crowd. This is because if you do otherwise you’ll add more fuel to the fire that rather will cool off if you stay silent. The prime example of this is the case against bankrupt artists such as Roshdi and Van Gogh who got priceless and indefinite free publicity through our impulsive actions.

However exchanging ideas and constructive criticism with clear intentions are always welcomed. To me all type of criticism is welcomed. So go head and shower me with your words.

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Midwesty

Alborzi jan,

by Midwesty on

I wasn't criticizing Iran or Iranians. There has been a historical discussion about this subject for long time. Intellects think they are right for seeing the future. They also like to blame ordinary people for being simple-minded and causing troubles. In the opposite camp the ordinary people have ridiculed intellectuals for having heads in the clouds and not living with the reality. Some of those intellects have been the artists.


Midwesty

Jamshid,

by Midwesty on

I was just thinking how out of touch you are. You might be right about me and I might be right about you. But the real question is who is right absolutely? Can you tell me?


Midwesty

Dear Majid,

by Midwesty on

I apologies for not citing the verses since I meant a quick note in terms of a blog entry not a full blown article. I am still working on it and looking for the verse that you asked for its citation. In the mean time let me tell you that Amr Bil Maroof is not the main pillar and it is highly regulated in terms of who should perform it, when is necessary and its most effective time and how to perform it. It is a sensitive subject and it has been treated as such. Please read more on this subject at://www.islam-laws.com/articles/AmrBilMaroof.htm Please allow me some time to find the reference for the verse. In the mean time I welcome helps from people who read Quran regularly to make this search quicker.

 


Midwesty

Dear Feshangi,

by Midwesty on

I am not familiar wit his work. I just read some about Andres Serrano and his controversial work, Piss-Christ. I am not in position of judging him but let me ask you couple of questions. Do you know his contentious works all were bad or just this one? This is because maybe we can put things in perspective. Do you know as a result of his vicious attack on Christ he unintentionally or likely intentionally created more firm followers for Christ? Don’t you think some people are so drowned into religion and away from humanity that there is no way unless a good hard shake to wake them up? Why do you still remember it and have such a strong feelings towards it? Can it be the sign of a powerful message that was conveyed wholly? Please remember, we hung Hossein Mansoor-e Hallaj because of three words that he used, actually two words in Arabic. انا الحق I am god. But centuries later we praise him for his bravery and controversy and opening new horizons in eastern philosophy. I know what you exactly mean and I agree with you but I am too doubtful about my ability to judge someone. I personally dislike Andy Warhol’s art. I don’t know why? But I think that’s part of art to stir feelings inside of us. Some artworks are pure, moral, and heavenly, and some are dark, vicious, and hateful. But let’s not be too quick to judge.


jamshid

The IRI is continously

by jamshid on

The IRI is continously destroying the Iranian version of Islam, which has always been more open than other versions, at an alarming exponential rate, both among the older and younger generations. If you do not know the exact meaining of the word "exponential", look up for some examples in google.

By completely shutting out the clerics who oppose the regime, in effect the IRI has high jacked all interpretations of Islam for itself in Iran. Have you asked why there are not any clerics who are actively opposing this regime? Boroojerdi? Don't make me laugh. But even he was shut out. It can't be possible that we don't have one single ayatollah in Iran who opposes the regime. Ask yourselves questions and think, it won't be hazardous to your health.

Those of you who claim to be moslems should fight the IRI back by opposing the most powerful destroyer of Islam who ever stepped into the plains of Iran, the IRI, and by reclaiming Islam from their hands. It has a higher priority than your five times a day prayers.

Islam is in in the exact same path than Zoroastrism was 1400 years ago, except things are even worst today. When I say Islam is in trouble, old and outmoded, instead of getting offended and attacking me thereby making things even worst, get off your butts and do something constructive such as opposing the "real" destroyer of Islam, the IRI which has succeeded in creating a cult of anti-Islamism among Iranians that not even Babak or Maaziaar could have dreamed of.

You Iranian Moslems who live in foreign countries are so detached from the realities in Iran and you are so enclosed in your own limited circles of people that you don't even know that, thanks to the wide spread use of internet in Iran, how popular Zoroastrism, Bhudism, Christinanity or even Bahaism, has become among the younger generations.

Islam is loosing its grasp on Iran. All you have done so far is to help the process. Have you ever attempted to contact any of the ayatolahs who are under house arrest and ask them for guidance? Or are they all zionist and neocon sellouts?

Stop complaining Midwesty. You need to look into the mirror first, and ask yourself what would your God want YOU to do to change things. 


Majid

Dear Midwesty

by Majid on

With all due respect, you wrote:

In addition, Quran again says, that when you see a crowd of people insulting Islam, get away from them. Do not harm Islam by defending it in a hostile crowd.

This contradicts one of Islamic pillars "foroo'eddin" (amr be ma'roof va nahy az monker) !..... and remember it says "AMR" and not "nasihat" or "raah namaaee"!

Where in Quran said that?


Feshangi

I agree with you that an

by Feshangi on

I agree with you that an artist needs to expand his abilities through open imagination and the use of different types of media.  But at the same time I ask myself if it is unreasonable for artists to be asked to show respect or at least to show good taste in their work.

I do not know if you remember an artist by the name of Serrano who had placed a plastic crucifix in a glass filled with his own urine.  This piece of work was exhibited and was actually sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. I love art, but I have not been able to convince myself that this particular piece was art. 

 

Feshangi


default

You are not talking to right people

by Alborzi (not verified) on

In fact Iran just showed off one of the biggest
modern arts collection. The Iranians are much more complex than the initial price. Just like haggling
you need to show respect and compromise, and you will see that they will compromise also.