Sarah Maple is a British-born Muslim artist whose work explores cultural divides and challenges sexist ideologies. This Artist Blows, her recent solo show at The Salon Gallery, garnered vicious attacks from some members of the Muslim community. Despite windows being smashed, the gallery stood by the artist and the show went on. Later this week, Maple will be conducting an open panel discussion about her work and its meaning in order to generate debate about the challenges that face liberal young Muslims who struggle with the strictures imposed by their faith. Here, she responds to her detractors…

Dazed Digital: How do you feel about the attacks on your exhibition?
Sarah Maple: When I first found out about them I felt extremely sad, the work had obviously been taken in a way that I had not intended.

DD: Is there anything you would like to say to your detractors?
SM: I would like them to consider the difference between religion and culture, and I would like them to consider the work and the concept behind it. My work is provocative but not offensive. A lot of the people who are upset admit that they haven't actually seen it. Have a look with an open mind.

DD: Do you feel that you are particularly well-positioned to comment upon the apparent difficulties facing a liberal Muslim?
SM: I'm not an expert, and I'm not saying I'm a spokesperson, but I do have an opinion because I have grown up with the experience.
 
DD: Your film for Nick Knight's SHOWstudio was deemed too politically sensitive to be shown online, how did you feel about that?
SM: I was surprised because I did not see the work as offensive. I like to cause a stir and provoke because I think that is a good way to get certain concepts across.

DD: What sort of state do you think feminism is in the 21st-century?
SM: Feminism is a dirty word! In some countries things are still as they were 500 years ago and that infuriates me! There are cultural values in certain social groups that will take years to change and there is still sexism everywhere all over the world. I think things are better but they haven't come far enough. I'm not sure it'll ever be right because of the core nature of men and women. I've come to realise that, essentially, men will always be men and women will always be women! My interest in feminism comes from my upbringing and the Asian culture, where the boys are always to be praised! I find this hilarious. My new body of work is all about feminism so I will be doing a lot more exploration on the subject.

DD: Can you tell us more?
SM: It’s a new series of photographs with a feminist concept. I've been so busy with the show, but in December I'll be starting new paintings and I’ve got a video in the pipeline for the New York show next year. I’m so excited!

In Conversation With Sarah takes place at The Salon Gallery 20th November at 7pm. Please email rsvp@salongallery.co.uk to attend.