my dubai eyes and ears writes:

    Thought this might be perfect for avantcaire. Empty Quarter sent out this email invite, then sent a retraction an hour later…
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  • mrs. deane

    Does anyone here see a hand on a woman's breast? Because that is why the image was censured, apparently. I just see arms around shoulders. Also, is this just about art being censured, or does it reach further than that, into the lives of the people portrayed?

  • http://avantcaire.com avantcaire

    no hand on breast as far as i can see. i assumed it was the depiction of lifestyles that crossed the line here.

  • http://www.discoballbreaker.com/ simone

    @avantcaire absolutely, think it was the depiction of arab man + women engaged in social (and possibly sexual) relationships with each other. the smiling faces, the cigarette in one hand, the see-through panel in one girls abaya.

    they're all very beautiful though, they make a pretty picture.

  • mrs. deane

    That might have been an underlying factor, but would that not have ment that life as led by these Bedouins was considered out of bound tout court? It would border on discrimination. Also, they'd have to take down the entire show! I think it was a case of some organisation not wanting to burn their fingers by being remotely associated with … yes, with what? Happiness? Joie de Vivre? Most of all, this strikes me as being so sad, mainly for those doing the censuring…

  • mrs. deane

    They do! Hard to see what is wrong with showing a happily married family (that is how I read the photograph), but then, I will probably underestimate the sensitivities at work in the Emirates.

  • http://avantcaire.com avantcaire

    i only just noticed the see-trough panel, local female + nudity = probably off limits.

    emirati society is also big on keeping its domestic scenes private, even to close friends and family never mind strangers in an art gallery.

    it is a joyful scene.

  • mrs. deane

    Actually, it's a see-through abaya, but she is wearing a proper dress underneath, in an odd beige-orange color, true enough.

    Best would be to go and see the show ;-) there are many more joyful scenes recorded.

  • http://www.theculturist.com/ Hind Mezaina

    The only thing I see in this pic is joy, laughter and nothing illicit. I didn't even think of it as sexual. It is part of a diptych, I've featured it on my blog.
    http://www.theculturist.com/home/still-alive-by…

    If anyone really did raise a fuss because of this image … well, Lo and behold we show images of Arabs looking happy and laughing, even if veiled.

    I heard nothing is actually censored in the exhibition, so will go and check it for sure and will report back if anything has been censored.

  • http://avantcaire.com avantcaire

    i saw pre or post coital polygamous amour in the image. eye, beholder.

    love the look of the series brought back my childhood.

  • http://www.theculturist.com/ Hind Mezaina

    Just wanted to let you know that I went on opening night. The exhibit is fab, all photos up and gallery wasn't in trouble.Think u'd love it. Also met Scarlett Coten and was given a signed book of Still Alive.

  • http://avantcaire.com avantcaire

    thanks for the update hind. look fwd to seeing the catalog / work.

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