Inshallah Surfboards
At Art Dubai 2009 visitors can expect to see a line of surfboards with patterns mirroring Islamic designs inscribed on the surfaces, which can be found at BREENSPACE’s stand.
George Philip, an Australian artist living and working in Sydney, has created these aesthetically strong pieces of work. Philip feels a desire to create works as the events of 9/11 have had a major effect on his artistic practice as well as created deep interest for the region and political issues surrounding it.
Rather predictably, the words ‘Inshallah’ inscribed on some surfboards has raised a few eyebrows in the Muslim community and created some controversy. However Philip has asserted that the surfboards are not for actual use and therefore will never be touched by feet or placed on the ground. Philip undeniably has an understanding of Islamic culture and with respect and enthusiasm creates aesthetically astounding pieces of work for a predominately Western audience.
Philip was interestingly inspired by the riots in 2005 when Lebanese Australians (at least, Australian’s who are of Middle Eastern appearance) where targeted by a crowd of white Australians at a suburb in Sydney. In an attempt to fuse East and Western culture, particularly within Australia, Philip attempts to address issues of cross culture where no other artist in the region has done so.
IN THIS ISSUE
- EDITORIAL
- Welcome
DEBATE- Ahmad Moualla
- Alona Harpaz
- Farideh Lashai
- Frey Norris Gallery
- Hrair Sarkissian
- In a Seductive Key
- Inshallah Surfboards
- The Shelter
- Waterhouse and Dodd
INTERVIEW
- Ahmed Alsoudani
- Aya Haidar
- Debanjan Roy
- Elisabeth Lalouschek
- Julie Lomax
- Lucy and Jorge Orta
- Rachid Koraïchi
- Rashid Rana
- Shilpa Gupta
