Brussels art installation forced to close
Magic carpet: Click the heels together three times you'll wake up in Mecca
An art installation in a Brussels shop window has been forced to shut down early because of the violently negative reaction it provoked in some passers-by.
Mehdi Lahlou-Georges’ exhibit took up the whole of the shop floor with an array of Muslim prayer mats. Each mat had a pair of men’s shoes next to it, except one which was occupied by a spot-lit pair of stilettos.
The shop window had stones thrown at it and was spat at before it was boarded up by the owners. Although the religion of the vandals is not known for sure, the artist seems to have his suspicions: he says that the Muslim community did not understand the message of his work.
He is apparently unaware that there is a significant portion of the Muslim community which takes pious delight in claiming offence at any given opportunity.
(Hat tip: Islam in Europe)
The “Muslim community” don’t understand anything!
Well quite. If this piece of artwork is trying to make some kind of statement about Islam, that statement is obviously going to go over their heads. The only part that they will understand is the bit where they have to be offended.
Or am I being unfair, are there lots of ordinary Muslim folk out there who look at this stuff, shrug and then ignore it?
I think it’s “click your heels 3 times, turn off your brain and sing don’t worry, be pious.”
Very good. A lot of them do seem to be lacking a brain and a heart all right, though I don’t know about the courage bit!
Those red heels would go nice with one of those nice flowing white full length dresses. Beard would be a bit off putting mind.
Who knows what these Muslim guys are wearing underneath those long flowing robes of theirs, martyn!