Doubts
Are these things “Idols”? Or shall we call them “Sculptures”?
What a confusion! I hate uncertainty and hesitations. Since they not specified and not defined, I can call them whatever I want, either “Idols” or “Sculptures”.
Definitions
An idol is a man-made object that is venerated in some way. [From Wikipedia]
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping hard or plastic material, commonly stone (either rock or marble), metal, or wood. [From Wikipedia]
Doubts Again
After having the definition of both, idol and sculpture, and knowing the difference between them, I still don’t know what to call those stuff which have been put in the public road, Corniche street, in the city of Abu Dhabi; UAE.
Let me tell you why I’m still in doubts. I’m still in doubts because an idol to be considered an idol, it should be venerated (or worshiped) by someone.So, whether the country government meant to put these 3D-sculpts to be worshiped or they didn’t mean it, we will still have the possibility of someone to idolize one of the sculpts. And whatsoever, even what I’ve said carried out with one person amongst the 1.6 million publication of the city, then I can confidently say that this 3D-sculpt is an “Idol”. And this talk is not brought from scratch. Look: Hindu views of idolatry.
But, if those 3D-sculpts are very clearly specified and defined (Like writing a sign next to each sculpt explaining about this brilliant peace of art) + if they are not placed in the most important street in the city (Like placing them in a museum or such), then I can confidently say that this 3D-sculpt is an “Sculpture, public art, or stacked art”.
Reminder: We still have the possibility to say we have “idols” in our city.
Notice: Many different forms of sculpture were used in Asia, with many pieces being religious art based around Hinduism and Buddhism (Buddhist art). [From Wikipedia]
Proof (No Doubts Anymore)
This subject is so significant when it’s to be considered in any Islamic country.
It’s so important, not to me only, but to the majority in the area.
Recall: When Prophet Mohammed [Blessings Be Upon Him] defeated the enemy and got the ruling of Mecca, he destroyed all the idols which have been there in the city.
Also, Wikipedia says: … a war that finally ended with the conquest of Mecca in the year 630. In the aftermath, the Prophet did three things. Firstly, with his companions he visited the Kaaba and literally threw out the idols and destroyed them,… [Look Wikipedia]
Now, what I’m aiming to say here is that despite of the fact that the city became Islamic one and all people were Muslims (which means all of them are believers and worship the one God), despite of this fact, Prophet Mohammed [BBUH] destroyed all the idols.
So, as a Muslim country, we should follow our prophet. And as I mentioned, even if the sculpts are not for idolization or worshiping we shouldn’t have them there.
UAE in the vein of USA, Canada, UK, Taiwan,…
I have shown the new sculpture we lately had in UAE, Abu Dhabi.
Now, I just want to show how similar it is to some sculptures in other non-Islamic countries such as UK and Taiwan:
UK:
Iron Man by Anthony Gormley, in Victoria Square Birmingham, UK
Taiwan:
Between Sky and Earth (Ariel Moscovici, France, 2002) depicts cycles of building, erosion and renewal. The work stands outside Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan.
At Last
At the end, I’d like to say that this great art, these sculptures never match out our traditions and religion.
Add to this that I don’t find those sculpts beautiful at all. Maybe I’m not conversant and not able to appreciate such an art!
Just out of ordinary!
(I’ll post the other pictures of the new sculptures soon).
