Muslim woman's bra photo sparks controversy
A photo of a Muslim woman wearing full Islamic dress and holding up a bra as she sorts laundry is stirring controversy in Kamloops, B.C., and the Saudi Arabian Embassy is now involved.
The photo, taken by Thompson Rivers University fine arts student Sooraya Graham, features one of Graham's friends wearing a niqab, a veil covering the face, and abaya, a full-body cloak.
The picture was a class assignment and was originally displayed with other student photos, until some students complained and a staff member tore it down.
"I was pretty shocked and I kind of felt my personal space as an artist and a Canadian had been invaded," said Graham.
The ripped photo was returned to Graham and she was allowed to display it at the university's art gallery.
Now, the Saudi Education Centre in Kamloops, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian government and provides support to Saudi students and their families, is taking issue with the photo.
"The artist didn't approach the artwork let's say in a very professional way that can state and can clarify the information and clarify the idea behind the picture," said centre president Trad Bahabri.
Bahabri said he thinks text explaining the photo's meaning is needed.
"I'm pretty sure many people misinterpret and many people misunderstand it. I can guarantee that," he said.
Graham counters it's up to the viewer to interpret the meaning, but says she had hoped the photo would show the public that women who wear the niqab are the same as everyone else.
