Artistic Fears in the Age of Religious Fundamentalism is one of a series of artworks that deal with censorship, oppression and increased social controls on basic freedom of speech and fundamental liberties. The XXIst century, at least in this artist’s perspective, was supposed to usher a new era of increased personal freedoms, scientific and social advancements and prosperity. A realization of tempered forms of utopia – not fanatic utopias – within which technology contributed to the development and liberation of humanity from basic needs.
The artworks are the product of a series of reflections and analyses that date back to 1989 and were produced and shown in 2007. This particular series emerged after an exhibition at the ICA in London.
The artworks become particularly poignant in the contemporary conflict between freedom of visual expression, privacy and freedom of speech, on the one side, and increased political and religious control over artistic activities. The complexity of the discourse on censorship and self-censorship is based on the contemporary reality of social alignments that heavily condition critical thinking. The expression of differences is solely possible within tribal groups, may they be based on class, race, gender, nationality, religious or political affiliation. Outside the remits of what is consonant and acceptable to the tribal group, digital or non, is only available a Foucauldian space for ‘madness’ or heresy.
