Iranian artists snub Rice

[sabra]

Source: News24

Washington - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was beaming as she met Iranian artists at an event intended to promote cultural links with Iran. Still, there were currents of unease.

Ten of the 14 Iranians who received special visas for the exhibition refused to be photographed with Rice, and two would not even accompany her through the gallery on Thursday because they were "uncomfortable", said two organisers.

"Art moves above politics, and I didn't want to be a part of politics," said Behnam Kamrani, 39, a digital artist from Tehran.

Bahar Behbahni, 33, a mixed media artist from Tehran, said: "It doesn't mean that the artists aren't political or don't (care) about politics.

"Artists don't want to make political gestures. Our language is our art; we express ourselves through art."

Read more: http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2111851,00.html

[Demeter]

1. What's Not to Like About Rice?

I know, EVERYTHING! Plus whatever standard prejudices one may harbor in the depths of one's soul.

Not everyone is a bought and paid for Bushbot like you, Condi!

[leftwingnut]

2. Ok...

"Artists don't want to make political gestures. Our language is our art; we express ourselves through art."


Right.


It's cool...nobody likes Condi. No worries. It's a great 'political gesture'.

[spindrifter]

3. Cool!

I don't necessarily agree that artists don't want to make political gestures. This certainly was a statement.

[The Stranger]

4. But but but but but but but but -- Iran has oppressed all of the artists, I thought!

All of the posts about the "mullahs" and their rules? Iranians have art?

Holy shit.

[yava]

5. The US needs to decide

All shows:
from the negociations on nuclear talks, to Iraq, to Iran's recently reported talks with North Korea, to now this art exchange, that these guys mean business and that they are not stupid. Talk or war. Let the US voterts decide by informing them but helas is that possible Mr Murdoc, Mr Olmert?