Art Space Talk: Sarah Maple

Sarah Maple has been called many things due to her art-- some people have lashed out at her with vulgar anonymous messages, others have praised her for her bravery and humor, some have called her the heir to Tracey Emin's throne. One thing is for certain-- she is not going to stop.


Sarah Maple

Brian Sherwin: Sarah, having interviewed you twice before I know that many people have misconceptions about your work. Many suggest that you do what you do simply for shock value. However, I believe that you are more concerned with the longevity of your art than simply producing a shock factor, so to speak. After all, your art is no more shocking than MTV-- and that is where the impact of your work can be found.

In my opinion, your art, specifically your series of photographs, documents aspects of cultural growth and expansion in that it captures the essence of youthful rebellion that has dominated culture, politics, and even religion in the last decade or so. In other words, if your art is shocking it is because society-- today-- is shocking. With that in mind-- your work grows with us and is therefore valid. What are your thoughts on this?

Sarah Maple: I agree!

This exhibition is shit by Sarah Maple

BS: Some of your recent exhibits have-- unfortunately-- involved harsh criticism from individuals who feel that you are exploiting your faith and ethnic background. For example, I’ve read that one exhibit was vandalized and that both you and the gallery owner had received death threats. Can you discuss your reaction to that form of aggression?

SM: At the time I was quite upset and disappointed and hugely frustrated. I was in no way exploiting, it just happens to be that Islam is so in the limelight right now that my work is receiving this attention. If this hadn't been the case I would have still had the same upbringing and I would have made work about it regardless. My work is very cathartic. I make work on my own experiences and feelings so it was natural for me to discuss it in my work and that's my right as an artist.

Fighting Fire with Fire No.2 by Sarah Maple

BS: When I interviewed you the first time you mentioned that there had been a few threats concerning you work. Has the recent controversy forced you to think twice about the direction of your work or the work that you choose to exhibit? Or has it inspired you to push your work further? In other words, does the anger inform you that you are in the right direction?

SM: It's inspired me in the way that I'm reacting to it. I mean I've been making work about the reaction and about offensive work and what is considered offensive, censorship, etc. So yes it was an inspiring experience. I would only change direction if I felt like I had dealt with the subject. Nobody can put pressure on me and force me to stop. I will not jeopardize my integrity as an artist.

I love Orgasms by Sarah Maple

BS: Has anyone ever suggested that you should stop due to concern for your safety? Do you have a point in your mind that would trigger you to stop creating-- or are you in it for the long haul, so to speak?

SM: I am in it for the long haul and I would not hold back on anything 'controversial' unless I felt it was immoral or disrespectful. That is why I will always stand by my work and not censor or destroy it.

BS: Can you describe how it feels to be caught between two ideologies? Perhaps you can put into words some of the personal conflict that arises from the meshing of East and West that is within you and that you have reflected with your work? Would you say that you are closer to establishing yourself as an individual regardless of your mixed heritage? Or do you think you will always be torn between the two?

SM: I think I will always be torn but things are becoming clearer, but it doesn't mean I'm happier with the results....it's quite upsetting, I wish I was still in the dark. I need my Mum!

For me personally growing up the whole clash thing was upsetting because I so wanted to be the best muslim I could possibly be and I wanted to embrace my culture but I felt a fraud. I don't see the point in doing anything if it's not done properly. I think many muslims who criticize me do not have this conscience.
Men only... by Sarah Maple

BS: Lets talk about sex. In your images you often portray yourself as somewhere between man and woman or as a deceptive toy-- in that you play on the desires of heterosexual men while making a feminist statement. Sometimes these statements are clear while other times they are slightly concealed. Tell us about some of the themes you explore concerning sexuality and gender roles. Why do you capture these themes within the context of your art?

SM: I am very interested in roles and stereotypes and feminism is my favourite subject because mainly there are so many avenues and I'm still not sure where I stand. Part of me thinks men still rule the world (or think they do!!) so why not accept it and women use their bodies to exploit that fact....or do we try and change it and fight against it and question the ridiculous notion of post feminism. I could go on all day about this subject, it’s so close to my heart.
Cocks: Champs Cock by Sarah Maple

BS: You have also been known to be masculine with your work. For example, your series of photographs titled Cocks. Can you tell us more about that specific series and the meaning it has for you?

SM: I used to work in a shop and got so bored I used to show off by getting different objects and pretending they were cocks (just like in the photos, haha!). And that's literally how it started. I have always been interested in the penis, just by what it symbolises, the power. And all it is is a bit of silly skin that looks so funny. But to have that silly bit of skin attached to you means SO much.

I bought this book called 'the Big Penis book' and it explains all about the wang through history, it's fascinating. I wanted to almost mock it, or mock it's importance,. But at the same time it's my way of proudly adorning my own one!

BS: So is there a specific message you strive to convey concerning sex and the role of sex in contemporary society?

SM: I think sex is great but I don't want it to be about the control of women or the objectification of women....I want women to get some control.

I'm a feminist because my friends are by Sarah Maple

BS: What about the art world itself? Have you experienced any form of sexism when it comes to exhibiting? I recall an interview I had with Sylvia Sleigh, who is noted for having made some huge cracks in the glass ceiling of the art world. She suggested that sexism in the art world still exists, but she went on to suggest that she feels that men in the art world today have a better understanding of women and are more apt to view women as equals whether it be in the studio or in an exhibit. What say you?

SM: I totally agree there is still sexism. My 'I wish I had a penis' piece was all about the art world. But that was more about my experience at art college. Since then I have felt a lot more confident as a woman in the art world. Maybe because that fact is quite obviously the heart of much of my work.
Who decided...? by Sarah Maple

BS: What about the humorous aspect of your work. Most, if not all, of your work contains humor on one level or the other. Based on prior conversations it would seem that humor is something you embrace. Do you think that it is important to be able to laugh-- even in the face of controversy and dealing with serious issues? Can you discuss that aspect of your work?

SM: There was a point where I considered I'd been foolish trying to discuss quite serious issues in such a light hearted way....but that's just me, there is always wit and humour. I don't see the point without. I just wouldn't bother if I couldn't be funny. I see the funny side in everything, even in the horrible things people say, I take inspiration from it all.

BS: In closing I’m going to ask one question: Who is Sarah Maple?

SM: I'm nice. And I like cats.

Links of Interest:

www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/08/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html

www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/11/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html

You can learn more about Sarah Maple by visiting her website-- www.sarahmaple.com. You can read more of my interviews by visiting the following page-- www.myartspace.com/interviews.

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin
Senior Editor
myartspace.com
www.myartspace.com
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Amir Normandi: Controversy or Misunderstanding?

True You by Amir Normandi

Chicago-- Amir Normandi's photographs have been thrown into yet another exhibit controversy. During a current exhibit residents were offended when his photograph, titled True You, was placed in the window of the Pilsen Together Chamber of Commerce at Ashland Avenue and 18th Street. The photo, which depicts a nude woman holding a mirror and paint roller in front of her veiled face, was covered by chamber officials after receiving complaints and threats of violence.

The crowd of protestors were calmed after the organization covered the photograph. The 60 year old artist objected to the decision and removed his work from the gallery. However, he has since agreed to return his work which will be displayed in a less visible area. Normandi, a devout Muslim, feels that the protestors focused more on the nudity involved with the photograph instead of the meaning behind the piece. The artist views the incident as a misunderstanding concerning the meaning of his work, stating: "The interpretation is that the nude female is imprisoning the person who is covered up or the other way around,".

Sherry Rontos, the chamber's president, stated that the organization will hold a news conference in order to explain that they had to remove the photo due to violent threats from protestors. Rontos hopes to draw attention to the censorship they were forced to endure due to the reaction of the protestors while pointing out other social issues that are explored in the exhibit.

This is not the first time that Amir Normandi has sparked anger from viewers. In 2005 Muslim student groups were outraged over Normandi’s exhibit at Harper College. However, Normandi has stated that his work serves as a protest against the forced veiling of Muslim women. During that time Normandi stated, “there is no justification for the oppression of human beings by other human beings, let alone under the name of god. Human wisdom and passion has excelled to a level to create laws in protection of our environment and its inhabitants. It is unconscionable to accept the extreme gender inequality, which in many areas reaches the extent of gender apartheid, to be tolerated as traditional norms of life.”
You by Sarah Maple

Amir Normandi’s story reminds me of a similar situation facing the young British artist Sarah Maple at this time. I have interviewed Sarah Maple twice . Amir Normandi and Sarah Maple are from two very different generations, but they both offer social commentary that explores their faith and other issues within the context of contemporary society. It is unfortunate that they have endured such controversy due to misunderstanding and direct censorship.

Links of Interest:

www.sarahmaple.com

www.myartspace.com/sarahmaple

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin

Senior Editor

www.myartspace.com

Sarah Maple: Controversy or Misunderstanding?

Sarah Maple

Sarah Maple has been called many things due to her art-- some people have lashed out at her with vulgar anonymous messages, others have praised her for her bravery and humor, some have called her the heir to Tracey Emin's throne. As I’ve said before, I’m pleased to call her 'friend'. Thus, I was a bit concerned after being informed of the following article by Tim Walker for www.telegraph.co.uk . See below,

“Sarah Maple's exhibition poses questions that anger Muslims:

She’s been described as the new Tracey Emin, but even that femme terrible would probably fear to tread the territory that Sarah Maple is currently negotiating. The artist, who has shown at Ronnie Wood’s Scream gallery, has a new exhibition with a headline picture showing a Muslim woman cradling a pig.

Already, Mokhtar Badri, the vice-president of the Muslim Association of Britain, tells Mandrake that his organisation plans to visit the SaLon Gallery, in Notting Hill, west London, to demand that it remove Maple’s painting when it exhibits it next week.

“Although we condemn violence, Muslims have a right to express their disgust at this work,” he tells me. “An artist has the right to free speech and to express him or herself, but people also have the right to protest. She clearly wants to provoke a strong reaction from Muslims and that is what she will get.”

Maple, 23, who was brought up as a Muslim, has already evoked Islamic wrath. Her exhibition at Rolling Stone Wood’s gallery earlier this year depicted Muslim women in provocative poses, including one suggestively sucking on a banana.

Badri explained the upset that would be caused over the image. “Muslims believe that all of God’s creatures should be treated with respect, but we are taught to keep our distance from pigs because they are unclean,” he said. “That is why this picture is so offensive to us.”

A spokesman for the gallery explained: “She doesn’t intend to offend anyone but simply wants to pose questions about Muslim culture and identity.””

A few sites have already picked up on this story in a negative manner. For example, www.stoptheaclu.com had the following to say about Sarah Maple due to Walker's article: "But the typical Muslim way of protesting has a way of turning ugly, and the words of Badri do not inspire confidence that any protests will be peaceful. Sarah should keep in mind what happened to Theo Van Gogh, and all the threats and action against the Dutch cartoonists." The StoptheACLU article is titled Muslim Anger: I Hope Sarah Maple Gets Some Bodyguards, Plus Other Stuff. It is sad that StoptheACLU is using this story for their agenda while offering very little information about Sarah's art. In that sense, they are part of the problem.

As I have said before, people often think that Sarah Maple is trying to be offensive with her Islamic based art. This is a huge misconception as she is Muslim herself and would not want to offend her own faith. With her work she reveals the confusion that many young Muslims face within the context of contemporary western society. This study offers the viewer 'food for thought' and is influenced by the quest to discover and question 'Identity'. The majority of her paintings are self portraits.

In her work she questions if it is possible to be a 'good' Muslim in the West; especially if you are mixed race and from two contrasting cultural backgrounds like she is. Islam is indeed a way of life. But what do modern British Muslims do surrounded by both influences? Which lifestyle do they choose? Or can the two be fused?

Please read the two interviews I’ve had with Sarah Maple in order to learn more about her art and goals:

My first interview with Sarah Maple:

www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/08/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html

My second interview with Sarah Maple:

www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/11/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin
Senior Editor www.myartspace.com