Who is Sarah Maple???
Posted on 01 December 2008 by Seleena Lloyd
Sarah Maple is one of those ‘hot new artists’ that we keep hearing about. I’m not really into the whole art culture thing, but Sarah Maple’s work is just too intriguing. I honestly do not get it. At all.
Firstly, a quick bio: British-born, Maple is half Asian, and half white. Her mother is Muslim, and her father is not. She claims to be a practicing Muslim. She is 23, and studied art at Kingston University. Her work, she says in one interview: “primarily came from about two years ago when I was thinking a lot about my cultural identity - my mixed parentage”.
She describes her art as being about “the distorted view many Muslims have of their own faith and culture and what makes a ‘good’ Muslim; especially in a western society”. Maybe I just don’t get modern art, but I fail to see how a video of her masturbating with a paintbrush really portrays this “distorted view”. And you can buy the outfits she performed the act in for only £10,000.
Other controversial works of Miss Maple’s include a self-portrait of her wearing a hijab with a breast exposed. With an almost ironic show of modesty, she is quick to point out that it is not her own breast she painted, but Kate Moss’s. Another painting shows a woman in a burka with a badge saying “I heart orgasms”. Yet another self portrait shows Maple in a hijab provocatively wrapping her mouth around a banana. A painting named Haram shows a woman wearing a hijab, cradling a pig.
Still the most confusing aspect of the whole situation, to me anyway, is Maple’s claims to be a practicing Muslim. While there is still debate as to whether or not the Qur’an does actually state that a woman should cover her head, there is no doubt that Islam calls for a certain degree of modesty. Sarah Maple’s work appears to be extremely self-absorbed. Most of it consists of self portraits, whether these be paintings or photographs.
In one of her works, Maple is dressed up in lots of different outfits and posed for the camera. Somehow, I am reminded more of a fifteen-year-old pretending to model, than of an aspiring artist, especially where she wears a bunny-boiler costume consisting of suggestive skimpy leotard and heels.
The works are so obviously offensive, and the public showing in a West London gallery so badly-timed; or so well-timed, depending on how you look at it. Islam, now more than ever, is being portrayed in a negative light by media everywhere. Why would a Muslim want to enhance this already degrading public opinion of their own religion?
So, what is Maple’s aim? Is she trying to expose Islam as a restricting religion? Criticize British Muslims for their Western behaviour? Simply gain media attention?
Someone enlighten me please as I am completely at a loss for an explanation.
  (15 votes. Average: 4.2 out of 5) |
Tags : art, sarah maple
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December 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
lol
She’s doing what any ‘wannabe’ artist in London would do at degrees of desperation - she is using the powers of controversy to get attention and mark a ground of acknowledgement for herself in the economically booming art industry - especially that in London.
Miss Maple clearly lacks any panache or talent and is utilising the easiest methods of self exploration by abusing and pulling at the strings of what would ruffle the feathers of others.
If she was practicing Muslim - she wouldn’t be selling her love juice stained clothing and/or masturbating a paint brush. In fact, if she was a spiritual person full stop, (Muslim or not), she wouldn’t do that, its not only immodest, unnatural, but also clearly not an intellectually stimulating method of causing a thought provoking journey into her art. It just shocks you and for the gullible few who get excited by anything mildly shocking and claim it to be ground breaking - it makes them think. Anyone who actually understands the art world and appreciates it would consider Miss Maples attempts as weak and far from weighty and worthy of acclaim.
Don’t get me wrong, I am no prude or oppressor of any sort and do believe in the beauty of expression and fundamentals of it being free, but at the same time, when one is so clearly trying to attract the attention of the masses via shallow cheap artistic attempts (which lack thought, hard work and skill) - its not just lame - its plain silly and well - pathetic really. Like Muslims and Muslim women’s attire needs any more bashing. It’s all getting a bit silly now - honestly.
I wear the hijab (headscarf) and if someone out there decided to wipe their love juices with a hijab and wear it on their head and stick a ‘I love cock’ badge on their face - I would be offended and deeply hurt that someone (especially someone who claims to be a ‘practicing’ Muslim) is being so vulgar about something which is done for the sake of god all for the sake of so called art. Do you see, when I put it like that, how silly and sad it is that people abuse the notion of creative expression of opinion to subtly upset others (intentional or not, we all have a bloody concisions). Now imagine what burka wearing strong headed Muslim women who are just trying to get on with their spiritual and life duties would feel (?/!!)
I have no respect for such ‘artists’ and to be honest, do not consider them to be artists at all.
I know art is subjective etc, but to go this far and then claim to be something your not so that you can carve yourself a career is so cheap - it will only just come back and bite Ms Maples ass 50 years down the line when she is (if she is) sitting on her throne of a million exhibitions and acclaimed artistry - but really lost and empty and confused in the cultural identity and mixed parentage she has been banging on about and desperately trying to express all her life.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I just had a look at her website
her pieces are funny
but some of them just overstep the mark - too much
December 1st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Most of what people call ‘Modern Art’ is nonsense anyway.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
masturbation is not itself forbidden in islam btw. as with most things it’s all about context ie mutual masturbation between spouses is perfectly fine - there are documented precedents.
it’s interesting that a lot of people (muslims & non-muslims alike) hold the view that sex is a bad thing in islam & that adherents abstain - might have something to do with the other 2 abrahamic faiths. when it’s actually positively encouraged (albeit in a consensual & contractual relationship between man & woman).
i kinda agree with mushroom. this girl does seem desperate. she also seems to have some issues…
December 1st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Filth!
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/images/thumbnail1.php/rwor200705024005ast.jpg
December 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
she is just claiming to be a practicing Muslim.i paid a quick visit to the link above given by raj panesar,n cudnt belive my eyes!!how cum a practicing Muslim posing for a half nude picture(wearing a panty written’i love England on it’)and publish it to the public.
who cares,if you are a practicing muslim or not??.but claiming so and doing the opposite thing,you are giving pepole wrong impression about Islam.
i am not religious at all.but still,’I have no respect for such ‘artists’ and to be honest, do not consider them to be artists at all’ as mushroom said.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
KB
Your absolutely spot on mate, masturbation, experimentation *(bar somethings) and sex in general is promoted in a healthy marital relationship in Islam and muslims are far from prude. But the thing is, this Miss Maple, is not only trying to frustrate Muslims but is also confusing non Muslims who may already have a very jaded opinion of Islam.
Her art may be a ‘alternative’ expression of something she feels is close to her and allows her to artistically communicate the dialogue between religion, culture and modernity/lifestyle etc - but in the process of it, she has immaturely take the p* basically by vulgarising a sacred practice of wearing the hijab or burka or having a modest attire. I went to her website and I understand that she is playing with ideas of parody, humour and light hearted thought evoking to offer an insight into a Muslim girl’s (because in my eyes I do not think she has grown up) world - but on her website, she has images upon images of a woman praying and then in some of them, the woman (I think its her) is wearing cat masks and horns and rabbit years (the playboy bunny type) - I mean - can you see how this is going to cause the kind of negative uproar she wants and will use to steer a career out of?!?!
She is toying with a way millions of people bond with god, a Muslims fundamental 5 times a day routine on a day to day basis for her stupid attempts at expressions. No desire for creativity or desire to succeed in the art world justifies such insensitivity.
I’m sorry if I am being blindly passionate about this, but people like her who use the obvious tensions of our current world to excel and go up the ladder are like insignificant microorganisms and the most selfish careless individuals in our community/ies.
Us talking about her on ID would give her a ego-orgasm - that’s the kind of thing that validates her in her shallow world I’m sure.
Its a shame that her talentless-ness has lead her to seek glory in the light of reduction.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
i wanna learn about the gormless fools that actually buy this kinda ‘modern art’
what motivates them to buy crap and think its actually worth it?
seems they have too much money and not enough sense. theyre the ones that fuel such ‘art’
iv always thought that the crazy ‘modern art’ works by the likes of tracy emin was crap.
who in their right mind would want to buy such tosh as a messy bed?
i wanna know who these people are so i can sell them my crap, i have plenty.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I actually like some of her art. Having said that, I agree that she’s probably only been noticed because of her ‘Muslim’ tag. Sometimes, the tag is thrust upon Muslims in the public eye (I know that many Muslim writers get asked to write ‘Islamic’ pieces more often than non-Islamic ones, so much so that some of us have had to make a conscious decision to accept fewer Islam-based commissions) but it seems that the tag is Sarah’s only claim to fame. I think I’d have more respect for her if she admitted that she’s confused about her religion rather than calling herself a practising Muslim.
Having said THAT, I have to say I always champion people who challenge the status quo and she’s certainly doing that, as contrived as it may be.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
she’s not challenging the status quo, thats what people who think theyre cultured think she’s doing, so they can seem cultured to other fools.
her art is rubbish, any tom dick or harry couldve done it. she gets the limelight because of her self given tag.
plenty of fools and idiots can make it to the top, its just about knowing the right people.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
its amazing what lengths people will go to for a bit of attention!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
Hi, thanks for your article :)
for whom it may be interested, I have expressed my views here
http://marranci.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/sarah-maple-loves-jihad-it-makes-money/
I have to say that I find her art very ‘commercial’ and surely aimed to attract money, but as far as quality I think that there is today much better ‘trash’ around even within the category ‘controversial”.
Some of her works, in particular those not dealing with “muslims” , are just very vulgar lacking indeed even the ‘controversial’ element.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
When working with and for, people of the world, in a Non-religious connetation and you sing songs or music that is not in a religious context, Y are u mixing or making reference to religion? If ur not representing your religion in what you portray… y mention it. It then comes under the peronal details catergory when and if asked. This is clealy attenion seeking in the wrong way. Ur suppose to be bringing good publicity not bad. Leave religion out of it if r representing it…. And this girl isnt hahah masturbating? Wat about the real issues of life ?
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Im glad you addressed this issue… its one i wasnt aware of until now..
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
Yes, Sarah will offend many and the fact that she considers herself to be a Muslim in spite of her actions and ’so called’ art is quite baffling.
She obviously has her own definition of Islam that, obviously, many don’t agree with.
Personally, I think this an attention seeking woman, who evidently hasn’t a clue of what art is about. Maybe a trip to the Louvre would do her some good?
Good work
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
Well there are all sorts of people in thwe world with their own ideologies.If she thinks like that(Sarah) let it be.Several people boast of Being followers of Islam but they indulge in all kind of vices.Atleast Sarah Maple is honest about her views be it wrong or right.Personally though i consider her ideas wrong.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
i’ve never heard of her aswell, she must be sum attension seekin whore if she calls masturbating art!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
i disagree on the part where you say, most of the art world love her. No, they don’t. theres MANY that dont like anything she’s done, and dont even consider her an artist.
check out the last segment of this video : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7701046.stm
her work is just sensationalism and she’s trying to cash in. it has nothing to do with anything she’s claiming it does. how does masturbation express a view about faith and being a good muslim in western society? it doesnt!
its just masturbation, in all metaphorical senses of it. she lacks respect in what she’s claiming to be doing. (trying to understand her cultural identity) I mean first, islam isnt really a culture, that would have to be about where her parents are from, etc. and even then…its like, hey i’m learning about my american culture so i masturbated with a baseball bat. wtf? how’s that got anything to do with anything?
even then its all about selfish attention whory needs. masturbation = self pleasure, baseball = american game. thats like as far deep you can get.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Sarah Maple is one brave lady…Her website is full of these ideas
http://www.sarahmaple.com
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Shock Art is the lowest form of art.
A bit like wit
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
i like wit…
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
ok this is for all the people going on about the masturbating thing and how it shouldn’t be used with the word Muslim. There are loads of articles as well as books that are based on what Islam says about masturbation, so i don’t think that what your saying is compleatly true, the two words can be used next to each other, whats wrong with it, if you feel offended by it, you shouldn’t be, Islam is the one religion that talks about sex openly.
As for sarah maple, she must have a PR agent, coz all of her artwork and statments are very attention seeking. she looks a bit like Amy Winehouse at first to me, both a pair of nutters :)
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
omggggg I did not see this.. this is terrible and this type of thing should not be allowed.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
sex is openly debated but not displayed, and especially not with a wooden stick :S
I put her artwork down to one of two thing.
either she is a loner, has no friends and her hormones are running all over the place so she decides to share them with the world
or
actually I don’t have a second idea.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
And if she exploiting herself like this obviously she is out of the circle of Islam..
and not a muslim.
A mere gimick to fame as I see it.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
it’s not art. it’s mental illness - a disease of the mind to say associate Islam and masturbation, hijab, etc like that. It does anger me, yes. And it will anger many other Muslims.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
Waste of time….just another publicity whore….not even worth commenting on! These days anything that attacks the orthodox views of Islam sells.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
i swer ppl like her havenever evn read namz or wvan nos how to do sala,(vazu) i dont consider her a muslim, yh a muslim by name not nature!!ppl like her use islam 2 get attention!! she is a prime exsampl of a sellout to her relign!! she is a walking joke!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
SHE MAKES ME F**** SICK!!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
why on earth would you give her this free publicity it has now influenced me to draw
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
god she is a dog!!i just seen a upl ov vidson her, sheis an insult to islam, hav u seen her mum, u an tell she is from a family whd a weak fath, money fame cume 1st in ther lives i bet she would sell her kids 4rice,whor!! givs the gud praticin muslim gurls a bad name!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
where do u draw the line!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Just plain disgusting!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
i see it very simply - Here’s a bird who’s probably a Michael hutchence fan.
she likes weird sex
she has no talent, her desperation at missing the boat has led her to resort to this.
shock art discredits the artist - it’s easy to do, no talent or perspective required, vulgar and v attention grabbing
Islam is very open about matters pertaining to sex, though modesty is of absolute importance. in the case of children for example, I would prefer the the said approach, these issues to be addressed by a teacher/ mentor figure.
I think Sarah Maple seriously needs to see a counsellor - there’s probably a tempest brewing under those locks.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:24 am
We all know now-a-days it’s become really simple to provoke a response from Muslims. But we all also know what wrath these people are collecting. Trying to voice their identities and/or debating over something that is offending to Muslims is disgusting. Lets just hope and pray we all find the straight way!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
all these comments remind me of the out cry to ban the movie Bricklane based on the book by Monica Ali, just because it was a story about a bengali women having an affair, well thats what the bricklane massive thought it was about anyway.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Its not art, but a publicity stunt, as they say ‘There’s no thing as bad publicity!’
Since we’re all talking about it, its having desired effect she wanted.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
She needs to grow up! Shes using her religion (or clearly lack of it) to get attention. She will no doubt release a porn film labelling it a muslim girl getting up to no good…. duh!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
Attention seeking pathetic bs. Obviously we have no control over that lost child. Its just self-promotion or the portrayal of a sick mind. Everyone has thier own opinions but this would offend many because she is disrespecting the burkha for example. Islam promotes modesty. This is clearly the opposite. Its not just about faith different parts of society would be offended and tortured e.g conservative elders and children.
This reflects a confused cultural identity, and increases confusion among non-muslims and young muslims alike (increasing substance abuse and suicide)as it distorts how the majority of muslims really are and messages islam presents. Peace. Morality. Humanity. This does nothing positive for faith and will most likely increase islamaphobia. Typical of a lot of art and media in our post-modern society, the only way to get attention is to create controversy and the fact people seek attention by these desperate measures is a really sad issue, showing the disintegration of a functioning society.
If she cared about anyone other than herself, she wouldnt be exposing such things, if she respected others at all. Its the way the artist has presented this, exploiting and attempting to represent religion that is truly sickening.
(Shame our current globalised world produces this stuff, and childhood is not protected-makes me sad!)
From a religious point of view, all this time could be used much more wisely, much more productively. Only one will judge in the end, only she herself knows what her real intentions were. Clearly conveying her confused cultural identity in an extreme selfish manner with juxtaposed buzzwords, this publicised self-expression has much more negative consequences than anything remotely positive. Maybe she’s possessed….
ps- Amy Winehouse has real talent.
pps- Fatwa required for fake muslima Maple.
I just read Mushrooms comments- APPLAUD. I agree wholeheartedly!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 am
oh and agree with lots of others here too obv.. go people. And brick lane was cool. lol. The writing style and insight.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 am
What I can see from Sarah Maple’s website is she put little effort to create those dubious piece of ‘art’….Photographs with shocking message/caption perhaps? Atleast it took some effort to write a novel like ‘Bricklane’!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
She’s a woman of ill-repute. I’m not a Muslim but I find her actions an insult to all religions.
The sad thing is, I bet the dirty hoe’s loving all the publicity we’re giving her!
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
By calling her names like dog and whore, you’re not necessarily propagating a good image of a Muslim yourself. What was that Hadith about judgements again?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Miss Maple is a lost seaweed in the sea of wannabe’s
@ Kia - you say you ‘champion anyone who challenge the status quo’ - what - even if they are insulting a body of belief and something sacred in the process? Do you champion her images of woman wearing a burka with a breast revealed under the lame umbrella/justification of attempting to express her ‘confused identity’? Do you champion the reaction that she will cause to many Muslim women out there who will feel hurt that the act of devotion they are doing (modest attire etc) is being transformed into something vulgar to express the mere identity crisis of some 23 soul sell out artist? Do you champion Miss Maple whose photographs of a woman praying with masks on are ridiculous and cannot be taken light hearted when those prayers are fundamentals for a Muslim and the times when a Muslim separates themselves from the whirlpool of day to day life and mainstream and seek love in their creator - ??!
Maple’s images parody this - they sexualise them - her justification will always be that its for the sake of art and she is merely exploring and depicting the confusions associated to issues of religion, culture and identity in a humorous light hearted manner - - so you champion that ? - You champion fickle attempts by artists who carve out a career from controversial reductivity?
I am a freelance illustrator - and would find it very difficult to sleep at night knowing that my work could possibly insult or upset anyone or burn into the fringes of the sacred - I would also find it very difficult to understand why people - intelligent people - would champion the vulgar actions of such feeble creatives. Each to their I guess and amen to that!
Just because you are controversial and go against the grain, overturn the linear and mainstream does not demand more respect. Nor does it equate to you being a more ‘interesting’, dynamic or bold human being who is more in touch with the intellectual expression of the many issues and objects that decorate our lives.
People like Miss Maple are just a prime example of societies’ brain washed puppets that use the most predictable methods of attaining status and establishment. What they think is challenging and progressive and powerfully communicative of something other than the norm is in fact the biggest most profound embodiment of everything that should be left in some dark, insignificant corner of the world somewhere.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Maple needs a trip to the mosque to remind her of what being a practicing Muslim woman really consists of
lol
*cough*
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
In My personal opinion i think that no muslim sister should do any act like this!Dr Zakir Naik wil most probably disagree with what Sister Maple is doing, im sure any imam or islamic scholar would…!
Islam is a peacful religion why paint things which dont show peace!
!!ASTAGFIRULLAH!!
As Muslims we should respect our religion!…and these painting dont show any sign of respect to islam at all!
You shouldnt call your self a muslim if you are going to be peforming such acts!
May allah guide this sister to the right path of islam ameen…..
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
hey…im all for open debates such as this. amongst some of the responces there are things that are interesting and educational. debates like this should always exist - about whatever topic. only problem i have with such forums is that some people tend to take a lot of negativity from whats said and coupled with their own possible negative thoughts lash out and give islam and muslims a bad name. try and remember people that a responce is what she (i do not intend to remember her name) and other people like her are seeking. the more negative and more perceived radical responce you give the more attention she gets. muslims are a easy prey because of the way we have reacted in the past and the media has only helped exaggerate muslim hysteria.
this forum alone probably boosted her website hits and the amount of emails she receives. the best responce is harmless debating and nothing more. to those of you getting angry and all worked up - chill out. i swear id just ignore her if she walked past me in the street. if everyone just ignored her then she’d have to find something else controversial to make money from.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
disgusting. Why would someone even bother writing about her and making this unknown? by writing about her.. you are making her more known to the desi comunity. She is not worth it.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I love Sarah Maple. I’m a Muslim woman, and I can relate to what I think she’s trying to say with her art. Lots of people think that Muslim women have no sexuality, or that their sexuality only exists within very narrow confines. I think Sarah Maple wants us to see the narrowness of those assumptions. Muslim women have a diversity of sexual experiences, desires, and opinions about sexuality. I find there’s a tendency within the Muslim community to deny this diversity because the loudest voices are saying, “Every Muslim is like THIS.” The fact is, if you think all Muslims are the same, you’re just not paying attention.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
westerners may well think that muslim women have no sexuality,
but trying to counter that perception by contradicting the beliefs she claims to believe in is just stupid and hypocritical.
which leads me to think she’s just trying to make a name for herself and cash in as quickly and easily as possible.
she has to say she’s a practising muslim otherwise she’d be seen and condemned as just taking the piss. its like a black man only being allowed to make black jokes kind of thing, otherwise its racist.
i have a bucket of shit with george bush’s face drawn on. how do i get this exhibited?
December 5th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
i personally think she should get run over by a bus, and die!! seriously thats wat most of these ppl here are thinking.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Farrah i think u should join with sarah maples destiny, fallin under a bus journey, u deluded retards
December 6th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
best not speak ur mind when u have stupid thoughts like that, ur not helping anyones cause that way.
December 7th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
great article i am similarly confused by miss maple’s atempts at ‘art’ and mushroom excellent comment i agree completely and your use of term ‘love juices’ so hilarious!!!! i cant stop laughing….
December 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Ummzee
lol - *love juices* - glad someone enjoyed it, :)
Farrah - Fair enough - your right, Muslims aren’t a homogeneous bunch, but neither are Jews, atheists, punks, rockers or plants or even bread, lol
We are all different but the thing that binds - as with any collective belief or grouping, is a sense of faith and lifestyle which we all have a strong belief in and try to adhere to.
As for Maple trying to explore or express sexuality and point out that Muslim women have sexuality, let me pose a question to you Farrah - who the hell is she exhibiting that too? Why does she need to? And should she have to prove that Muslim women have sexual urges? Or prove that these urges are beyond the narrow confined as you mentioned? And why does she not find a less offensive or crude way to do it? Or even a crude one but one that doesn’t directly take the pi** out of a women in an attire which is worn for the sake of god and her religious lifestyle? By her doing that isnt she in essence challenging the point of wearing that inevitably expressing other opinions that she won’t mention in her press conference in case someone decides to launch a fatwa on her? Lol
Since when did we/Muslims (I, being Muslim take this kind of stuff personally hence the use of ‘we’, but it would still bother me just as much if I wasn’t because we all have brains and a conscience) have to make profound and bold statements about our sexual desires and needs?
The only thing half valid in your comment was that yes, Muslim women are seen to have a narrowed and maybe limited sexuality and need for sex - but that’s because Muslims try to focus on the spiritual side of things and do not feel a dire need to assert sexuality as means of proving that they are open and experimental. And anyway, so what if they do? What do they achieve by screaming out to the world that they too enjoy orgasms? Do you not see that Maple is trying to sexualise and objectify a Muslim woman in all her Muslim attire glory - and make out like she is asserting diversity and doing Muslim women a favour by showing that they are more than they appear - the same old bullsh** colonialism period tactics.
Anyone who wants to find out and has this desire to discover the limitations of sexuality and sex for Muslims just need to pick up a good translation of the Quran and books on it. Apart from up the arse - sodomy, everything is pretty much ok and sexuality within a married- legitimate, ‘halal’ relationship is encouraged and there are blessings in ensuring a married couple sustain a healthy sex life. So bedroom antics are all go go go go sunshine ;)
There you go, I summed it all up in a paragraph, you don’t see me selling my love juice stained burka’s for thousands to prove that Muslim women have a need for sex and are actually open.
Do you see Farrah, by needing to prove such silly things, people who want to live a spiritual life (and i am not just talking about Muslims here, anyone who believes strongly in something that does not have to revolve around capitalism and sexuality) will also feel passive and recessive.
Egalitarianism should be promoted.
Miss Maple is cashing in an era when Muslim women and their attire is an easy target. And you would be a fool to not realise that. I have no respect for her art. She as a human being, i don’t know, I’m sure she’s a sweet ambitious 23 year old wannabe artist, but now, she is more lost than anything and i hope to god she figures out a credible path for herself without having to make further cheap shots.
Farrah, if someone said to you that you seemed like a bit of a prude and uptight and not experimental in the bedroom, would you start sucking your banana during lunch times and walking around with one nipple out and sending our memo’s with ‘i have the karma sutra - full edition under my bed’ to your colleagues? to prove to those who nothing about Muslims, islam and have a media influenced negative opinion of Muslim women’s rights - that you actual are a very sexual person?
Do you see how stupidly naive that is??!
And because art imitates life and vice versa - miss Maples attempts are, as iterated above, pathetic.
But hey, each to their own and so don’t let my words send any ripples in your world Farrah, I only say it in the bold manner that I do to make you realise, even a teeny bit, that people do not need to prove things like your sexual desires and the multi dimensionality of your personality. You prove things if you are being accused of a crime, not whether you like to make love or not.
Miss Maple can do whatever she likes, but if she starts to offend than she will get a bunch of people verbally attacking her and feeling peed off. Its human nature. I just hope she actually understands why she is getting stick for it by some of us and learn to value and respect others and religion in this case - - especially the one she claims to belong to.
December 12th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
As Muslims, should we really judge Sarah Maple?
I like her art, it is funny, as is Persepolis by Satrapi. Maple is certainly pursuing what has now become a lucrative sector.
This woman is far from offensive. In defining offending Islam, one should take a look at the works of Ayan Hirsi Ali and Theo Van Gogh.
December 13th, 2008 at 12:11 am
i think i wud like to do her
December 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
persopolis is cool. Maple is overrated and not really that offensive.
Muslim’s need to get their fingers out of everybody else’s pie and focus on their own biryani. if you catch my drift
December 16th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Yes persopolis was indeed good! but whats that go to do with Maple? you cant place the 2 on the same sphere.
Persepolis was an animation that grew out of genuine talent, opinion and experience. Maples stuff is just silly play in the frail attempt at being art in the cheap advantages of abusing others beliefs. Why doesnt she criticise her character and make fun of that instead of picking on women’s attire and religion and prayer.
TMG, just because muslims are not wooing in delight because some so called Muslim is making headlines in the art scene does not make them a critical bunch of people who judge others. Commenting on maple and having an opinion about how ‘i’ perceive her work does not make me a meddler in others pies.
If she is playing with notions of modest attire, the fundamental prayers and other aspects of the religion which i believe is sacred, and i am speaking about out about the negatives in her ‘artistic’ attempts, than my fingers are not in anyone’s pie but in the biryani to which miss maple claims to have an association with - that is Islam and the dynamics of being a Muslim.
Maple is overrated in terms of being a ‘cool’ - ‘edgy’ - ‘challenging artist’ (she’s neither of those) and some of her stuff is indeed very offensive. But we are all entitled to our opinions and each to their own.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
‘Maples stuff is just silly play in the frail attempt at being art in the cheap advantages of abusing others beliefs’
In regards to the above statement, they’re her beliefs too. Though she may not dress like you or practise like you she is Muslim. So technically she’s one of us.
‘Why doesnt she criticise her character and make fun of that’
I actually went to the exhibition. that’s what she does. I didn’t find it offensive at all, just a little immature. the main theme of her work is herself and concepts of identiy and part of that identity is the fact that she is Muslim.
I think Muslim’s need to get a slightly thicker skin.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I never said she was not one of us. And anyways, that them and us attitude stinks so lets not continue with that.
I merely questioned the work and its negative consequences and effects on people.
Why should Muslims grow a thicker skin when a fellow Muslim as you and she claim, is taking the royal p*** out of many elements of islam?!
It had nothing to do with how i dress and the differences between her and me or anyone and her as a Muslims. It has all to do with how she has used a medium to abuse the rights of ‘being’ a muslim and exploring the religion and making money and fame from challenging pure actions of faith such as prayer and the hijab. That is what ruffles my feathers and causes offence.
I too have attended the exhibition and have seen some of the lighter pieces. However, standing in front of a woman covered up for the sake of religion and yet one boob is exposed and a woman praying with bunny ears on, doesn’t make me laugh or weep or revel in the joy of a muslim celebrating or exploring or challenging perceptions and being so bold and dynamic….. it just makes me so sad that a muslim woman feels the need to explore her own identity through a trajectory which exploits spiritual practice. Surely creativity is diverse and expansive enough to come up with more productive, interesting ways to explore your identity?
I dunno, I might be completely wrong here, but I think Maple’s work sucks and she is a sell out to be frank. And I have no respect for soul, spirit and culture sell outs, whatever their justification is. Being muslim comes with certain responsibilities. We are all inevitably heterogeneous, but the common ground is respect and a genuine love for the religion and its way of life. The hijab and prayer is, and parodying that shows neither respect nor love.
I think she is confused and lost in herself and her desires to please the west and challenging perceptions and attempting to show a lighter - alternative light to muslims and muslim women and ideologies of faith seems to be the easiest most accessible form for her.
I have a very thick skin and do not get offended by many things, but some of Maples work bothers me and i am sure other muslims too and i think we are completely entitled to that without being compartmentalised as narrow minded, highly strung, naive, unaccepting or judgemental.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I still don’t think her work is particularly offensive. Just misunderstood.I’m not trying to defend her work or her, I think she’s overated. I didn’t like her exhibition much myself the point I’m making is that her views are valid, just because you either don’t agree or understand doesn’t make it wrong. I just think Muslim’s need to stop thinking that every other Muslim should be just like them. I do however think that the reason she get such media attention is because she is Muslim and her work will offend some Muslims. When she stops making stuff related to Islam she won’t be so famous anymore.
‘I think she is confused and lost in herself and her desires to please the west’
That’s insulting don’t you think? Why does she have to be confused maybe she is perfectly sane and capable and this is how she expresses herself. Maybe she sees the world and her religion in a different light to you or I. Religion, Faith and God mean many different things to many different people. The underlying point I’m probably failing to make here is none of us owns the religion no matter how dear it may be to our hearts. Her relationship with her faith and God is her own and not for you to judge. Which is why I don’t find her work offensive.
Meh I wrote about this all anyways. I feel like I’m repeating myself.
catch you later :)
December 16th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
TMG, I like your retort, and totally agree.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Cynic, thanks.
I just read through a few of the other posts on here. Farrah pretty much stated my own thoughts on this issue.
http://thatmashguy.blogspot.com/search?q=maple
December 17th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I don’t think my comment was insulting at all. I’m sure she is sane and capable, i didn’t question that. Being lost does not insinuate insanity. We can all be lost in stages in our life when we try so hard to validate and signify ourselves and root to something.
Clearly you are not digesting what i have said numerous times above in my comments. We are not all heterogeneous and therefore clearly will have our differences. That’s just obvious. You are not being revolutionary in your retort for mentioning that. And ownage is not uttered by myself or anyone here. Personal and individual interpretation of god and islam and religion as a whole will naturally be different and diverse. However, responsibility and common sense and a sense of respect should be consistent. As an artist who is claiming to be Muslim and in the public sphere utilising islamic ideals of devotion, she should exercise a certain level of respect, responsibility and awareness. Otherwise don’t use existing forms of practice and devotion (e.g. prayer & hijab) to exhibit your search for identity and parody - why not fabricate something new all together?
That’s what my point is and that is why i do not like her work or attempt to break boundaries as an artist.
“Her relationship with her faith and God is her own and not for you to judge. Which is why I don’t find her work offensive”….
Yes, ofcorse her relationship with her faith and God is her own, that just plain obvious. And because of that you don’t find it offensive? Well some of us do and because we do (to re-iterate one more time) does not make us judgemental. that’s an often to easy bandwagon to fall on - make those critical ones look like a bunch of judgemental narrow mind twits. oh purleaase, thats the most prehistoric form of reduction that exists. If we all thought in that way, we would all sit on the fence and anything would go and we would all say, oh well, the end will come, he above will judge etc etc. Fortunately, thats not the way everyone rolls. And being proactive and saying something is wrong or incorrect does not make you a meddler or regressive.
Being impartial does not make you progressive or imply a more positive way of responding to people like Maple. Clearly for you TMG, justifying stupidity under ‘oh we are all different, each person has god in their hearts and deals with it their own way - leave them to it’ is an easy thing.
I on the other hand am infuriated at the fact that thousands Palestinians are suffering from hunger struggles due to economic sanctions, women are burnt everyday because some stupid patriarchal narrow minded man in her family feels that women should be burnt if they are not covered, at the fact that young children are being used as sex slaves and trafficked between India and Bangladesh on a daily basis, that people worldwide are being persecuted because of a particular faith or lifestyle they choose to adhere to even though it may encourage nothing but peace… and so when i see an idiot artist sticking ‘i love orgasm badges’ on a woman wearing a hijab and wearing a hijab and sucking a banana to depict oral sex, i don’t think ‘aah, she’s confused about her identity, she is trying to trace her south asian and western roots in the framework of her Islamic influences in life’… bullsh**, i think, what an idiot and how stupid does she think people are and oh what a cheap attempt at getting fame. And i am not impartial as a human being by any standards and so i will and am offended.
You see TMG, just because I am offended and choose not to like her stuff and will not be impartial does not mean I am comparing her to some model muslim. Because apart from the messengers of god, there are no model muslims. We all have our flaws and endeavour to strive in the religion and ensure we promote it to the best possible to crease misinterpretations that have unfortunately come about because of poor media actions. So when a fellow muslim who attracts the attention of mass media and is praised for her work, I find it irritating not something to be proud of. Because she had to stoop as low as sexualising the woman and religion and objectifying things to gain that attraction, I cannot sit on the fence about it.
You see, it would be infuriate me just as much if she had done that about another religion or any body of spiritual belief because some things are sacred and meddling with those just makes you a fool really. Well I think so anyway.
My reaction is not just because I am a muslim, its because I have a mind, opinion and conscience and whether it be art, socio economics or politics, ensuring people are sometimes told that what they are doing is disrespectable is our responsibility as active citizens of the world. Not to be so grandiose about this, but it’s the only way I can assert that making no noise is just as bad as not giving a sh** about anything.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
LOL I love how you bought Palestine and Burning women into a debate about some art exhibition, cos yes, the whole world is against Islam and this is just another example right? It’s because I care about those same things that some crappy paintings and photos don’t bother me. I call it having a sense of perspective.
I have no problem with you being angry and I understand why. Just don’t imply everyone should be angry with you. Too many people get angry about stuff like this just because they think they should be angry. It’s not because I have wishy washy beliefs and don’t care it’s I don’t think her work mocks Islam as a religion. The main point of a lot of her work is that Muslim women are more than the identity ascribed to them ‘We are not all heterogeneous’ as you say. If she had a Qu’ran in her work and was somehow mocking it I would find that offensive. But showing a hijabi with a pig meh. She’s not saying we should eat or cuddle a pig she’s saying she is a product of east and west. ‘I love Orgasms’. So what? I’m sure plenty of Hijabis probably agree with her. She’s not saying hijab is stupid or wrong, she’s saying women who wear it are more than just a hijab.
It’s not ‘Islamically’ correct. I agree with that too. I think really our main difference of opinion boils down to the fact that you find it offensive and I don’t. The reason I don’t find it offensive is that I don’t think it mocks the religion itself. I just think it’s poor and lacks subtlety but we don’t live in a subtle society. So agree to disagree.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
lol, i didnt bring up palestine and burning women to communicate that the world is against islam, i brought it up because in light of those things, Maple’s insensitivity infuriates/ed me.
I am not stupid or naive and can wholesomely comprehend that a hijabi wearing a pig is not insulting the religion. As for orgasm loving muslim women, i’m sure many would agree, who doesn’t like orgasms?!! ;) (read one of my earlier comments if you wish, you will see our opinions are not so different … reactions are yes, very much so).
I know what she is saying but I think that there are other ways of expressing that then a hijabi with a boob out. As an artist and intelligent young woman, she should have the intellectual and creative capability to muster up something other than the lame attempts that she has shown so far - and finding those alternatives does not mean she needs to be subtle in any way whatsoever, just creative.
I think a woman praying with bunny ears and a mask on is expressing a certain level of duality in Maples and many people’s lives and characters. Many of us are products of the west and east and therefore will be able to relate to that state of confusion and duality. However, i also think that those images are - beneath the surface, mocking the religion because those prayers are fundamental connection to god for muslims and not taken lightly. Some things TMG, shouldn’t be played with or taken lightly or seen as something which you can bend to fit your purpose because by doing so you end up being offensive to some and also insensitive. And as muslims, we shouldn’t always be so impartial in an attempt to be ‘accepting’ and open minded and thick skinned.
I can see the lightness and humour in some of her work. But it’s the indirect (but nonetheless present) jesters of parody and mock glossed over with artistic dialogue and identity crisis justification that bothers me.
Being tolerant is a basic that we should all exercise. But some things are just silly and not voicing the silliness about them is even sillier.
I don’t expect anyone to agree with me and am not attempting to make my comments some profound interpretation that everyone must side with. I am merely expressing what i feel and think and how ‘I’ categorise things and you are doing the same. Its all part and parcel of healthy debate so yes, in light of that, i guess we shall agree to disagree indeed :)
December 17th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
‘As an artist and intelligent young woman, she should have the intellectual and creative capability to muster up something other than the lame attempts that she has shown so far - and finding those alternatives does not mean she needs to be subtle in any way whatsoever, just creative’
I think we all agreed she isn’t that great an artist lol I honestly think the reason I wasn’t offended by her work is because it’s not that great or powerful. It’s like when someone makes a bad joke. I actually like the Salaat series of images, I saw it as being when she prays she is thinking about a million different things. As I’m sure we all do.
So guys what did we learn today? nobody’s perfect, hijabi chicks have clitoris’s (is that the correct plural), modern art is sh*t, you shouldn’t wear masks when praying, breasts should only be exposed on page 3.
and they all lived happily ever after.
Then End.
Go home people. nothing to see here.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
btw mushroom, you should email these guys about writing for them. You’re already writing mini essays, you may as well get paid for it.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
mini essays.. lol.. hmm
i doubt their writers get paid for it - i dont think Insidedesi have funding or sponsorship. correct if i am wrong
and anyway, i am no bollywood expert or anything so i dont think i would suit the criteria for insidedesi.
& to be honest, as much as some of the articles on here are good reads and worthy of debate, i’d rather write a column in some socio-economic publication somewhere that academically explores worldly crap *yawn* and disects stuff via severe critique
it would give me so much more satisfication, lol
just messing. I am an illustrator - i’ll leave the writing to the the talented bunch at ID
January 9th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Y’ all gettin crazy coz you just realized how little effort it takes to offend yo islamic asses.
January 15th, 2009 at 4:04 am
Here are two more inteviews with Sarah Maple if you want to check them out. They were conducted by Brian Sherwin who is the Senior Editor for the Myartspace Blog.
http://www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/11/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html
http://www.myartspace.com/blog/2007/08/art-space-talk-sarah-maple.html
April 4th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
As an artist and a woman, I must say the whole point of art is to evoke a respond, happy, sad etc. but most importantly to evoke a responds. She has done just that (period). So what you don’t get it? I do and so do many people. What should she paint/photograph/draw/video to make her art more accessible to you? Flowers? Sunshine and happiness? Or yet another landscape? She is forging new ground, she has real guts! It is really difficult to swim against the river, and not everyone has the moxie or artistic training to get IT. Change is always difficult for the masses to swallow (no pun intended here), and often new ideas need to grow on us. We all have had, at times, a knee jerk reaction to new music and then it can grow on us(Or not).Everyone doesn’t need to like the same type of music and art is much the same.