With all the political and religious turmoil engulfing our world today, there seem to be fewer and fewer ways to effectively bridge the divide between the different points of view. One constant that can always bring to the forefront the beauty of humanity and transcend our differences is art. Art affects everyone in different ways drawing on our individual concepts of beauty and inspiring emotional responses to the work in front of us. While there are many different styles and influences in art, perhaps the most profound and influential is that which stems from religion. Every religion has its own distinct style of art, representative of regional influences and combining the work of human hands with what some would call divine influence.
Currently in the U.S. there has been an increase in Islamic intolerance, efforts to curb radicalization, and by some, outright bigotry in a land that was created to allow freedom for anyone to worship anything. There have been efforts to tame this intolerance based mostly I feel on a lack of knowledge of Islam itself. Despite efforts to educate society and build trust between all religions, intolerance and indifference still continue. However, there is a "bridge" being built, (not literally) that will offer a unique view into the beauty of Islam. This "bridge" is a permanent installation in the MET that has already been years in the making. When completed it will be a new gallery to house Islamic art. The gallery itself will transport visitors to the Muslim world, complete with beautifully and painstakingly crafted architecture pieces. The model for this gallery draws off of architecture from the 14th century, complete with detailed plaster carvings, inlaid tile mosaics, intricately decorated arches and so on.
To complete this project, the MET traveled to the town of Fez, Morocco to find craftsmen skilled in creating this detailed architectural work. The craftsmen they eventually hired, 12 in all, had skills passed down from generations of family members. Most of these craftsmen, currently still working on this project which won't be finished till this coming fall, had never set foot on U.S. soil before. Perhaps this initial move to bring foreign craftsmen to America to work will be the start to breaking intolerance. It could work both ways. As we all know, there are many outside of America especially in Muslim lands, who don't view us in the best of lights. This gesture to show Americans the beauty of Muslim architecture and art will hopefully be seen by those abroad as an initial move to eliminate intolerance. These workers, it can only be hoped, will see America for the beauty that we possess as a people, and bring that knowledge home with them to their families and friends showing that America should not just be judged by its government's actions.
As Americans, we have a duty to educate ourselves in the beliefs of our fellow citizens. Does this mean that we have to adopt their belief system? No, it simply means that we must strive for greater understanding of the underlying tenets of their religion and what it means to them. Intolerance is born of indifference and a lack of education. If people do not understand a different religion, they are more likely to speak out against it because it does not fall within the realm of their beliefs. There are too many people out there, Christians especially it seems, who fail to realize that Islam was born of the same roots of Judaism and Christianity. In essence, by discriminating against Muslims, we are discriminating against our religious ancestors. There is one important constant that transcends these three religions; belief in God. We may differ on our beliefs on how to worship or how to lead wholesome lives, but it shouldn't be a divisive factor. As with anything in life, there are different paths to achieve a common goal.
When this permanent installation opens at the MET, I can only hope that it will be flooded with visitors who will be inspired to learn more. For those who have not seen the intricacy of this type of architecture and art, you will be amazed. In my travels, one place I visited that this gallery will emulate to an extent is the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This palace is stunningly beautiful and is worlds away from anything that Westerners have seen. When I first saw this architecture and art, I was inspired to learn more and I only hope that the art being created at the MET will do the same. Let art be the starting point for understanding. Let it inspire in us a desire to bring our country back to the vision our founding fathers had; one of tolerance for people in all walks of life and an ability to worship freely. Lets start now by being a little more open minded to the beliefs of others. After all, this is the United States and we all have a duty to stand up for the freedom of all people.
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