Brush with the nettles of the mind

British artist Sarah Maple's quest for excellence has brought her to the stage where she is able to express her unconventional thoughts, she has faced criticism for her depiction of Islam and the West in her work on a larger scale.

Her recent exhibition in London drew much criticism from Muslims in the United Kingdom, who described her work as “outrageously provoking''.

But the artist, a Muslim herself, has taken the reaction in her stride.

“Not only the negative, I also got a lot of positive responses. The experience has made my vision as an artist a lot stronger.''

Asked why she chose the controversial theme of Muslims living in the West, Maple replies she had not decided on any theme when she started working on the pieces.

They took shape over the years and were brought together for the exhibition.

“While working, I used to think a lot about my twin identities of being Western and Muslim. I questioned the validity of the combination.''

As Maple's parents come from mixed religious and cultural backgrounds, this exploration of identity should have helped her work. But her thoughts on the subject often came to occupy her more than art.

Explaining the use of a taboo symbol in one of her controversial works, she says: “I portrayed how it felt to be a Muslim in Western society.

"The work highlighted the difference in cultures and the difficulties that arose from it. It also questioned the gap between cultural belief and actual religion.''

She agrees that Muslims can live harmoniously in the West and believes there is a lot of ignorance about their culture. However, she hopes that with time, this state of affairs will improve.

She has also dealt with the concept of jihad in her works. “I was reading Ed Hussain's The Islamist, in which he talks about jihad. He tells us how jihad was a positive thing as it was meant to be a period of struggle you went through, bringing you closer to God.

"I found it interesting how the media misunderstood the term and how a common belief developed that the word meant ‘holy war'. I found this interesting and wanted to challenge the wrong perception about jihad.''

Many people have compared Maple to Tracey Emin, another artist who has come under criticism for her controversial works.

Maple believes Emin is an amazing artist and a strong woman with a great personality.

Always aiming at doing something creative, Maple's engagement with the world of arts began at a young age. She realised early in life that she wanted to be an artist. Maple says she herself has been the biggest inspiration for her work.

Recalling some of her early attempts, she says: “I did a drawing of a five-legged cat when I was 4 that was displayed at a school event. My mum still has it. You can see my knack for drawing and the lack of it for arithmetic.''

Maple was born in 1985 in the south of England. She graduated from Kingston University in London and lives in the UK. Even though her family members do not always like her works, they are supportive.

Maple's works depict what goes on around her, ranging from a simple sentence she comes across to her family and surroundings, people, culture and places.

Although Facebook and tea keep Maple occupied in her leisure, art is never off her mind.

She enjoys reading literature, watching comedies and listening to music.

Morrissey and the Smiths, whose lyrics she finds deep yet humorous, are her favourites. “I like toilet humour and sitcoms such as Bottom, Peep Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

I also love watching Russell Brand just because he is so ridiculous and silly. I find that silliness inspiring. I surround myself with funny people — my two best friends constantly entertain me with jokes,'' she says.

How strongly does she feel about the humour in her work and is art the right medium to depict such emotions?

“Everyone loves to laugh. Humour is something everyone can relate to. I enjoy using humour in my work to drive home a point. I do this because even if people do not get the point [I am trying to make], at least they have laughed and my work has touched them in some way.''

For Maple, art is something that can inspire or touch the human spirit. “It's not merely a skill or a pretty picture,'' she says.

The artist, who will be exhibiting in New York later this year, is ecstatic that she has achieved fame in a short period. The show in London not only brought her into the limelight but also helped her develop into a daring artist. “It feels great to be recognised in the art world.

I feel proud of my work and the kind things people have said about me. But I still think there is a lot more hard work ahead.''

Rabis M is a writer based in London.