Of Middle Eastern Appearance (19 images)

An extended edit of work exhibited in 'Of Middle Eastern Appearance', at Blanco Negro Gallery in Sydney, June 2006.

"...of Middle Eastern Appearance" is a phrase often used in Australia, by media and government alike, to describe people in the context of crime, violence and the ever-present threat of terrorism. Perceptions of Middle Eastern populations in Australia and the Islamic world beyond our shores are full of threatening, alien characters and a life and culture...
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An extended edit of work exhibited in 'Of Middle Eastern Appearance', at Blanco Negro Gallery in Sydney, June 2006.

"...of Middle Eastern Appearance" is a phrase often used in Australia, by media and government alike, to describe people in the context of crime, violence and the ever-present threat of terrorism. Perceptions of Middle Eastern populations in Australia and the Islamic world beyond our shores are full of threatening, alien characters and a life and culture beyond understanding.

However, approximately 350 million people live in the lands between North Africa and Iran on the edge of Asia. These people lead ordinary lives, they go to work and school; they care for their families; they play sport and spend time with friends - a far cry from the stereotype of fanatics and extremists.

This exhibition - 'Of Middle Eastern Appearance' - attempts to flip some of the modern-day stereotypes of the Islamic world upside down, showing that the daily bombardment we receive - images and sound-bytes of terrorism, war and the 'clash of civilisations' are far from the whole truth of life in the Middle East.
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