During the tutorial today a keyword for me to reflect on was 'perspective'. In relation to my project this word can give it a base and a starting point from which to grow and develop. Rather than getting tied down to a narrative based photographic body of work, the tutorial helped me to consider a more conceptual approach to the project. So, if I consider the two perspectives that are at the heart of my topic, how do I visually articulate the differences, and importantly, what is it that I am trying to communicate? Looking at work were two opposing views or differences are communicated:
Shirin Neshat is an Iranian artist whose work addresses social and political issues within Muslim society and 'the complexity of certain oppositions, such as man and woman. Neshat often emphasizes this theme showing two or more coordinated films concurrently, creating stark visual contrasts through motifs such as light and dark, black and white, male and female.' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirin_Neshat)
In the work shown above, Neshat uses two screens, one showing a man singing and the other screen showing a woman. The man sings to an audience of males, the woman to an empty auditorium, signifying the voices of women who are not heard in some Muslim societies. The woman's voice and song is comprised of guttural sounds and noises, no decipherable words can he heard, once again signifying the lack of voice for women - her voice seems like a cry, a lament, a screaming for someone to listen or to those who won't listen, an assertion of her will. The effect is simple yet powerful. In relation to my project, Neshat's strategy of using two screens is interesting, and could be an effective method of highlighting divergence and opposition.
Installation at Gladstone Gallery
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