By AJAESH RAJ
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Dimensions:
3543x1772 pixels (WxH) / Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
Media:
Digital (Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop)
Technique
and Style: Two main type used -
Text Portrait/ Typography Portrait
As
the name suggests (Islam:
Light in the Darkness), through my artwork and in light of all the
misunderstandings existing against the Islamic religion, I want everyone to see
and understand and be open to embracing the true meaning of Islam and what it
stands for. To that extent, I have used a digital media to convey this message
with hopes of reaching a larger audience pool and having a better chance of
being accepted. Also, I acknowledge that the digital media provided a wide
scope for improvisation and innovation as compared to other medias. One of the
things I have learned from this Islamic Art and Architecture class is the
importance of text and typography. I understand, although not fully the
complete magnitude of either of them in developing and communicating in the
times past and even today. As such, I have used them in a digital environment
in my artwork. One of my main objective for this artwork was to not loose focus
of the past, but come up with something that would also resonate with the
present and hopefully the future.
Islam,
is one of the oldest if not the oldest religions to have guided the world and
mankind. Over the years there have been a number of misconceptions and
misunderstanding about the Faith. Primarily, that it promotes terrorism and
subdues women. Just like any religion in the world, Islam does not encourage
nor tolerate violence either in spirit or word; both against its own or people
from other faith. Another major misconception I hope to clear through this
artwork is that of the repression or oppression of women in Islam. While people
around the world may think, by wearing a hijab or not being allowed to consume
alcohol and the likes, the woman of the faith are being denied equality when
compared to their western counterparts. I have used the image/portrait of
Malala Yousufzai, Pakistani human rights activist, in hopes of conveying to the
viewer that no one can suppress or oppress anyone’s rights. Everyone has them
and it is upto each of us to fight for and consume them with respect. Malala is
a beacon for everyone around the world, not only Muslims. She is a prime
example for all those blindly say Islam oppresses women. Ever since the attempt
on her life, she has been an even vocal advocate for human rights and
education. She has been rewarded around the world and her words are heard by
both muslims and non-muslims alike. This shows that Islam as a religion is not
against equality or for the oppression of women. Because, if it were it
wouldn’t have encouraged and accepted the words and the fighting spirit of
Malala.
Apart
from this, there are numerous examples of Muslim female poets and artists
around the world over the centuries.
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I
am Ajaesh Raj. Third year business student pursuing a major in Marketing
Communications. I have interests in digital media and communication. Also,
human rights causes are another of areas that influence and resonate deeply
with me.
References: the
Professor's blog.
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