Given the popularity of Iranian-born artist Shirin Neshat current show at DC’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, it seems that Arab women artists are (finally) having a major moment in America.
Hrag Vartanian, editor of Hyperallergic, says that contemporary art “can do wonderful things to break down stereotypes while exposing people to new perspectives,” and adds that American audiences may often think of Arab women as “oppressed and marginalized,” and that works like those of Ms. Neshat’s are vital to shattering the stereotypes.
“I think many visitors would be surprised at the level of freedom, education, politics and intellectual activity that Arab women have access to,” says Marika Sardar, associate curator of South Asian and Islamic art at the San Diego Museum of Art. “Seeing the works of art that they are capable of creating, as well as the level of theoretical sophistication with which they approach their art-making, is extremely important.”
