Imagining the Arab World: The Fashioning of the "War on Terror" through Art

摘要: Not since the popularity of European Orientalist paintings in nineteenth century has there been such vast interest Arab world Western art scenes. In United States this is evident increased number exhibitions held museums, commercial galleries, and nonprofit spaces over last decade. A noticeable trend organiza- tion these events representation region via themes that can be likened to ethnographic studies or political debates rather than serious examinations formalistic conceptual elements art. More often not, exhibition format used as a plat- form for exploring topics have become synonymous with Islam through lens. This course points late Edward Said's seminal work Orientalism (1978), which outlined formation multidisciplinary discourse was shaped by Imperialism subsequently informed perceptions. And while effects exploits remained academia, well arts popular culture, it virtually impossible contemporary curators cultural workers shake off paranoia xenophobia twenty-first America. sharpening focus on emerged alongside shift global affairs, namely September 11, 2001, States-led "War Terror" its campaign "New Middle East." Extending further into Asia invasion Afghanistan recent military operations executed Pakistan, American foreign policy thoroughly entrenched so-called Islamic world. That not say what we are witnessing new-found phenomenon but greatly intensified all more audacious. involved decades, sector only recently begun take notice. To understand changes, one must first examine history within context narrative divided two distinct periods, before after 2001. look at atmosphere prior States' launch strikes East Central South reveals different, albeit equally discriminatory, experience artists. Although active artists consistently shut out from mainstream. Attempting notoriously exclusionary scene, many sought carve their own paths, independent initiatives organizations. An example prominent Palestinian painter Samia Halaby, who based 1950s known artistic academic circles alike. Halaby's abstract canvases housed