Seeing the faces of American presidents carved on Mount Rushmore (an assembly of leaders as heroes), triggerd this train of thought....

I have grouped together men who at first glance seem to belong to the same social cultural sector but at closer inspection are characters from European history as well as figures representing far right Islamic groups. The grouping is supposed to throw open the issue of visual perception and its effect of creating isolated subcultures. It’s a very recent phenomenon that beards have come to be associated with a certain fundamentalist way of thinking. Facial hair had been a part of European cultural history until fairly recently. The damage caused by the power exploiters has had a significant effect on the average moderate Muslim and certain outlooks (beards in particular and facial hair) have started to represent an objectionable state of mind. This judgmental approach has been particularly evident in the West, where the idea of the ‘other’ lies deep in visual perceptions.

In the light of recent events in Mumbai we stand more divided than ever. Power exploiters are once again using the idea of the ‘other’ as a potent threat. What is different is considered wrong. The far right, once again works on the worst of human nature for more control. My work constantly deals with and unpicks the stereotypes and prejudices created by popular media and hopes to provoke questions.

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