More Ismail Farouk

Lauren Sokolov

I also attended Ismail Farouk’s exhibition at the MAK Center/ Schindler House on November 6, 2008. I have been fascinated by his themes of social justice and discrimination, and his presentation of these themes through video and photography. It was very interesting to be introduced to his work through pieces like “Trolley Pushers” and other videos illustrating globalization in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was even more interesting, however, to see the same issues of immigration and prejudice in works created right here in the United States. I learned that the issue of “pre-judgment” is still prevelent in ways we may or may not acknowledge. An example that stood out to me was not even necessarily a video work or photograph, but a story that Farouk recalled, and was joined by a friend/woman in the audience. He recalled a petty “offense” he commited – jay-walking – for which a police officer penalized him. The woman in the audience added that she had been right next to Farouk crossing the street, and that she tried to protect him and insist that the police officer give her a ticket. She was unsuccessful because the police officer claimed not to see her and “probably thought [she] was crazy for WANTING to receive a ticket.” It demonstrates a real-life scenario in which pre-judgment based on race leads to prejudice and discrimination. Farouk, with his skin color and ethnic name, has faced many instances like these in which pre-judgment has affected his everyday life.

On the topic of everyday life, I also would like to add that I enjoy Farouk’s depiction of social justice with videos and photographs representing everyday life/scenarios/people/objects etc. – it presents his views and experiences in a realistic, relatable way that delivers his point very strongly/effectively. I liked his presentation at the MAK center also on the basis of his attitude and speech because they were very everyday, true to life as well. He dressed, spoke, and interacted with the audience just as he would in an everyday scenario. He was poised yet approachable and open to questions. He spoke before the group without needing a stage or microphone or any technological or physical pieces to put himself above the audience. All he needed to make his point was the truth and his own well-supported evidence, all of which were well received by his audience and successfully conveyed.