Between Joy and Isolation: A Muslim Artist in America

By Kari Ann Owen

My artistic interests and accomplishments comprise modern dance, illustration and creative writing, all of which offer not only the usual and unusual aesthetic and financial challenges, but moral challenges as well.

I am handicapped by diagnosed disabilities and even without those handicaps, the non-commercial and non-exploitative nature of my work would make it difficult if not impossible to financially survive without the support of my husband, and work in teaching and the care of animals (I also teach horseback riding to the handicapped and am an experienced caregiver to dogs and cats).

The financial strains are typical of most American artists. The conflict with Muslim cultural traditions is not. There is a terrible loneliness in my life when I am told that representational art--the direct representation of human and animal images--is contrary to Islam. There is also a daily loneliness when I dress in active wear for horseback riding or dance and know that many Muslims would see my manner of dress as haram (religiously prohibited).

All my artistic expressions have a strong moral basis in the respect demanded by Islam for all life. I do not ever advocate violence, either personal or political, as a solution to complex human problems, and have put my work at the service of community efforts to help vulnerable humanity and abused and neglected animals as well

The human relationships portrayed in my plays evince a struggle, within and without, away from the horrendous violence which is so much a part of many women’s and children’s experiences.

This should bring me closer to the Muslim community, but my fear of rejection where spiritual doubts about the propriety of direct images and dressing for the dance keeps me away from group situations.

This is a time of probable war and oppression in the United States via misapplication of immigration laws and the promulgation of a sweeping and almost certainly unconstitutional Patriot Act. It is a time of base prejudice and violence.

Is it appropriate at such a time that Muslims worry about how artists exercise their conscience in their choice of images? Or how they dress to teach and perform?

I believe with all my heart that there is no God but Allah, the Creator, and I believe that the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, is the messenger of the Creator. His revelation is one of love and respect for all creation, and his inspiration is borne out in the moral inspiration of many Muslim lives.

My husband and I, who are monogamous and twenty seven years sober, derive great inspiration from those lives as we recommit our marriage daily to the sacred Muslim principles of disciplined lives based on love. We ask for your love and understanding as we walk a path among you which we hope will lead us ultimately to Allah.

Author Kari Ann Owen has won two national playwrighting awards and been produced and published many times, including a play about Muslim resistance to oppression. Kari Ann has trained two assistance dogs for her own personal use with mobility and balance, and her therapy horse Jocelyne has won a national award as Icelandic Service Horse of the Year 2001. For more information, visit Kari Ann’s web site.