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Sunny Art Fair & Alcohol

December 17th, 2010

This year’s Sunny Art Fair, more than a success… The event is well-branded, neat, great artists from Jordan, great music and artistic atmosphere.

I was invited to the special event opening/cocktail party on December 15th, and I was happy to see all the success around the place. People were happy, met a lot of faces I missed seeing, saw Ali Maher and his great collection. Was also inspired by the great work of Nahla Tabbaa, many artists to name… But, I was happy to see this event in Amman.

Finally, another outcome to the art scene. What I didn’t really get is the negative energy and vibes by an Artist that I won’t even mention the name of (because apparently this was a publicity call) who pulled out from the art fair because “Alcohol is being served”.

Alcohol was served along with food and juices, water and sodas ONLY in the opening/cocktail party one day before the public opening. and I think this was a desperate call for attention. If a person doesn’t want to drink, they don’t have to. But this was coming from people who do not mind hanging out at bars/restaurants (while these restaurants have alcohol) or cafes (that are known for their strong identity and serve alcohol and argeeleh together).

This is hypocrisy. While I was arguing on a status of a friend (who is one of the artists that pulled out), this comment comes in: “Whether Alcohol is or is not served should not affect the choice of displaying- what if there were “Nude” portraits, or anything else that doesn’t comply with “Islamic Belief”? would you have pulled out then? I very much doubt it. Alcohol is served regularly at Art Galleries all over the world! People simply have the choice to drink or not to drink.”

Which I believe in 100%. While another comment adds: I can’t believe that. it makes me sad and angry that we consume our energy on discussing serving wine in an art event. if you are against drinking, you dont have to be bullies about it. and bash people who enjoy having a glass of wine. and on top of that, belittle the fair because they decided to serve alcohol. And you all know that the fair is taking place at the Zara center which is a space that belongs to a hotel that serves alcohol in all its venues, so why are you all so surprised? those of you who don’t drink, please try not to pass judgments on drinking. yes you can drink a glass of wine and enjoy the fair. If you dont want to drink or scared and paranoid from drinking, just drink your coca cola and let be. It really surprises me that our cultured people make such big judgment on art artists based on whether they drink or not. really shameful. live and let be. its a just a glass of wine. why are you so paranoid? why? would you like me to say that i dont want to watch your film BECAUSE YOU DON’T DRINK, and that makes you closed minded. This is exactly what you are saying. And stop acting surprised and shocked about serving a glass of wine.

What makes it worse? this Artist telling some crappy Arabic news site: “Who wants to have fun and drink can go to a nightclub where his weak project can be viewed well.”

Another person added: I see no courage in taking a stand that challenges nothing. Taking a stand that you will only hear congratulations for (alcohol is a taboo) requires no courage. So you wanted some applaud, attention? You got it. maybe this is a marketing move anyway. If you feel so strongly about alcohol, how about you ask next time? No congratulations deserved.

So, if one has done some traveling one becomes the expert of international alcohol practices? Living in a bubble does not equal ignorance. however, sweeping generalisations do. What are you doing? Tashbee7? Prejudice and hate cause blindness anyway. Taking a stand is as fine an act as any, however, taking a stand is one thing and assuming that everyone else who does not agree with you is wrong is plain shameful.

All this paranoia is based on self serving narcissistic egocentric ignorance. It is totally fine to hate alcohol – hate it as much as you like, but it is a major problem to hate because you disagree. And where is this all coming from? based on what? religion? do you really believe you are clear of sin, you believe you are worthy of standing on a higher ground and preaching? I suggest you reconsider.

Health? So you are the model of health? Even so, you take care of your health i will take care of mine. And remember: hate and prejudice are poisons. Social values? I know everyone of you, I know you all have your difference. You all have parts of you that society does not approve of, yet you still find someone to accept your difference and love you. Return the generosity, be generous. You make me angry. You win today because you made me angry. You will probably win tomorrow too. This is an easy battle. I can feel your hate. I can feel the isolation you wish upon me. No thanks. This is tragic. And I hope you are proud. And you know what: I drink and I am proud.

That’s a shame! However, I’m glad the Sunny Art Fair is here to support Jordanian artists without boundaries.

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