-Connor here reflecting the Arab Spring and Art Discussion by Art Salon -With revolutions in Syria, Libya,

and Egypt, some have declared this current era of upheaval in the middle east the Arab Spring -And this political upheaval has influenced art in the middle east -Art as political or revolutionary statements in countries like Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Libya are heavily censored and oppressed by the government. This makes the works produced by artists in these countries all the more important. -Unlike free nations around the world where individuals have the liberty to express their opinionsartists in these Arab countries are taking profound risks by producing politically charged pieces. They are making sacrifices in their own well-being for the sake of sending a message. They are true artists by questioning authority in a heavily subjugated world. -Specifically, the art that is coming out of these countries blends tradition and revolution -In countries like Iran and Egypt, the current Islamic governments in these countries are only in their infancy when considering the vast Persian and Egyptians empires that thrived for centuries before the establishment of the present governments -By embracing their old world roots, artists take a stand against governments. They, in effect, are saying they are not defined by their governmentbut by their rich history and culture. -This is evidenced by the Iranian photographer Shirin Neshat -Her one piece is a photograph of an elderly Iranian man. On his chest, he has a tattoo of the Shachnamed or Book of Kings -It is a 6000 page piece of Persian literature and is a national classic, as well as a detailed history of Persian Iran up until its replacement with an Islamic government -The photo again reiterates a sentiment of cultural pride. And with this civilian pride comes self respect. Self-respect leads to a desire for basic rights. -Neshats other photo features a man holding his hand over his heart. Similar to the elderly man, verses from the Book of Kings are written on his face. His gesture indicates that he pledges to fight for his rights as an Iranian citizen. His pledge shows a dedication not only to old world values but also a new world in Iran. -In Egypt, blending of tradition and the new world is also evidenced in modern art. -Here, a graffiti piece in Cairo is done in the style of art you might see on Pyramid walls. It shows women climbing a laddersymbolically elevating themselves in rights and status

-It is an optimistic piece for womens rights that harkens to an Egyptian era when women were mighty rulers as wellNefertiti and Cleopatra -Using historical examples as a figure for revolution is seen as well in Iran with political art during the Iranian Revolution in 1979 -In one piece of propaganda in support of an Islamic government and womens rightsthe Shia legend of Zaynab Alli is referenced -As a Muslim figure, she is revered as a symbol of sacrifice and strength. In this image, she stands with hand outwardboldly encouraging civilians to push onward. -A reference to this beloved figure bolsters Muslim civilians to continue fighting for a government that defends rather than oppresses them. It also gives hope to women that they are on an equal playing field as activists.and may one day be given more respect in society. -Another modern, Iranian piece mentioned was the Golden Gun by Parviz Tanavoli -This piece again references tradition with a new world spin in that Arabic calligraphy is formed into the shape of a hand gun -In my opinion, however, this piece is less of a revolutionary piece and more of a criticism on radical violence in the name of revolution seen in Iran and other Arab nations. -I see this as really the artist trying to convey that such violent revolution insult the name of Islam and Iranian culture. I find the piece intentionally disrespectful by the artist in that it takes something precious like gold and Arab culture and forms it into something that can kill and maim perhaps what he sees revolutionaries are doing today. -I find it encouraging that a piece like this does not blindly show full on support for violent revolution and is willing to question the decisions made by revolutionaries.. -Questioning authority is a common theme throughout all these workseven when life is on the line. It comes to whether you can live oppressed your whole lifeor die by ideals you support. -I think its a unique juxtaposition in modern Arabic art combing both old and newand using the old as a tool for new revolutions. I think cultural pride can be a great motivator for civilians to want change, because citizens will only ask for rights if they feel entitled to them. Middle eastern history is filled with confident, legendary figuresand I think that artists are suggesting that modern day descendants of these historical legends can also become heroes in their own epic journey -We have seen how the Arab Spring has and still is influencing artists today -and I think this is not a one way streetbut instead a circle of inspiration with revolution inspiring art and art spurning revolution

-Regardless of the message, it is important for any positive change to come in these areas that the people listen and take action for themselves -With the recent shooting of a young girl and educational activist in Pakistan by the Taliban, it is clear that civilians in Radically Islamic countries are being held hostage by the corrupt leaders that govern them. -Misinterpreting and abusing religion as a means of power and controlparticularly against women. Using Islam as a front to prevent the educational advancement of women and control the masses. -Again, It is up to the people to end this madness and injusticeand I can see now how the art medium can be an incredible tool in this upheaval -As seen in the Egyptian graffiti, no government is strong enough to stop the protesting voice of the people. Artists have and will continue to find outlets to express their voice. -I find it encouraging so far that there is such a strong voice of protesting art in these oppressive nations. Despite being heavily censored and threatened with jail and even death .their voice has not died out and has not been stamped out by the government -Once that ball of revolution starts to roll, it will be a snowball effect with no one being able to stand in its way -I just hope that revolution leads to less tyrannybecause all too often in history revolutionaries themselves have become mad with power. All too often in the chaos of revolution radical once again seize power. Its important that revolution does not just start, but produces positive results for the people. And as evidenced by the Iranian upheaval in 1979, revolution does not always lead to a better outcome. -In conclusion, I would like to read a quote that I found really powerful in regard to the Arab SpringIts by Rashid Khalidi
People all over the Arab world feel a sense of pride in shaking off decades of cowed passivity under dictatorships that ruled with no deference to popular wishes. An area that was once a byword for political stagnation is witnessing a rapid transformation that has caught the attention of the world.