Hasan & Husain Essop Halaal Art

^{Hasan & Husain Essop}

^{The Essop brothers question the implications of Western imagery depicting Muslim identity. In response they have developed a reply that uses self-representation and stereotypes. The twins’ exploration questions religion within a consumerist society. John Fleetwood POWER PLAY—HALAAL ART Our series of work highlights a clash between religion and popular cultures. We explore the dominating influence of Western theatrics and their narratives that are constructed to depict a certain reality. Inspired by Hollywood’s visual language and tactics, we create our own narratives. Each photograph reflects one another in a battle for the moral and immoral. Two dominant personalities appear, East and West, with all their stereotypes. The environments we choose define our behaviour, using it as a stage to perform. Several characters may appear repeatedly as it is our own clothing being used. Those clothed in Islamic wear are aggressive but humble in their quest, popular fashion attacking our beliefs. The pit bull demonstrates loyalty but no sense of reason.}