Arahmaiani Indonesian, b. 1961
The distressed cat in American flag attire symbolizes the Western, particularly American, involvement in global conflicts, often perceived as clumsy or misguided interventions. The armed nature of the cat critiques the militaristic approach often adopted by Western powers. In contrast, the composed bird with an Islamic flag represents the other side of the cultural and political divide, often portrayed in Western media as antagonistic or oppositional.
By combining these elements, Arahmaiani not only critiques Western-centric perspectives but also calls for a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural and political identities. The artwork challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level narratives and recognize the intricate power structures and cultural dialogues that shape our world.