 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
Amy Baxter MacDonald
Artist Statement: Seen/ Unseen
Seen/Unseen is an installation that began as a series of 5'x4' self-portraits in an authentic Afghanistani-style burqa. I had been exploring how the clothing I wear influences the paintings I make. The frustrating experience of wearing this full-face/full-body veil led to further investigation of what goes on behind the mandated veil in this and other countries governed by Sharia law. The piece is not anti-religion, it is anti-cruelty. I was profoundly affected by Stephanie Sinclair's photos of women who had lit themselves on fire and by Jean Sasson's book, Princess (the true story of a Saudi Arabian princess and people she knew).
On the outside of this hexagonal structure you see the veiled images of this exotic land the media shows us. I invite you to enter the enclosure and view images on the flip side. These are my responses to Sinclair’s photographs at the Whitney Biennial, Sasson's book, and images found online. I hope you will use the blank panel to express your reactions with words, images, or manipulation of the paper itself. I have just begun my investigation and welcome your thoughts. This unpleasant topic needs to be discussed if it is ever to be rectified. The purpose of this piece will not be fulfilled if the conversation
stops with what I have said. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
