PITTSBURGH (Dispatches) -- An exhibit of traditional Islamic art at the Frick Pittsburgh was marketed as a way to bring people together “beyond borders and boundaries.” Instead, its postponement because of the Israel-Hamas war is sowing controversy.
“Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art,” was announced by the museum in early October and was slated to open on Saturday, Nov. 4. The touring exhibit featured “fine glassware, ceramics, metalwork, painting, weaponry, weaving and more from countries across the Middle East.”
On Oct. 17, the Frick said it had postponed the show until further notice, citing “an unforeseen scheduling conflict.”
But the real reason for the postponement was concern that, in wartime, the exhibit might offend some members of the local Jewish community.
Head of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Christine Mohamed criticized the decision.
“The decision to postpone the ‘Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art’ exhibition under the pretext of potential harm to the Jewish community perpetuates the harmful stereotype that Muslims or Islamic art are synonymous with terrorism or antisemitism. This false perspective not only disregards the vast and diverse Islamic world that extends far beyond the Middle East but also undermines the essence of cultural diversity and appreciation that art represents,” she said.
Mohamed said she has been hearing reports of local incidents of Islamophobia, including “profanities shouted at people.” She also criticized as insensitive statements by schools and workplaces that, in expressing solidarity with Israel, “completely disregard the Arab-Muslim community and the struggles that they may be going on with, and their loved ones that are trapped in Gaza.”
“It’s disheartening to witness such insensitivity when blanket statements are made about an entire religion, particularly when they have the potential to incite harm in the Pittsburgh Muslim community. We cannot overlook the trauma and suffering experienced by the Palestinian people, with more than 8,000 lives lost, including almost 4,000 innocent children. The extent to which this tragedy is overshadowed underscores a troubling lack of empathy and humanity – something that even the most forgiving person would find deeply disturbing.”