Christina's Beautiful Artwork!

After watching the videos on the debates of whether or not Islam is a religion of peace I was inspired to do this painting. It is a woman in a traditional niqab, but there is more than what meets the eye. It tells that just because this woman follows the Muslim faith does not mean she does not have inner depth and beauty. It also does not mean that she is blind to the world around her. One eye is the sun and the other eye has a moon and stars. This also represents seeing the good and evil in the world around her. While I did understand some of the points Douglas Murray and others were making during their debates, I did not agree. I choose not to practice any religion in particular but I also believe that if religion is the reason for someone to put forth good morals then they should do whatever makes them happy. Not every person who actively follows Islam is a bad person who hates women. There is inherent good and bad in every culture. I found the debate with Murray against women wearing their niqab in public to protect the comfort of those who are bothered by it particularly disturbing. No one should be told how to dress and if that makes a woman feel closer to her culture and her faith she should have every right to do so. The fact that these women know their are prejudice against them in the western world and still CHOOSE to wear this is very empowering to me. The niqab represents modesty, and while some women may be forced to wear it and some may interpret it as oppressive I can see the charm behind the idea. The eyes are the window to your soul and they alone can be very telling.