Art and the precariousness of the aesthetic : images of the Prophet and narratives behind “beautiful objects”

Controversy surrounding the exhibiting of artefacts depicting the Prophet Muhammad has become a global “hot topic” in both private and public spheres in contemporary times. The resulting religious, cultural, political, and societal tensions affect individuals, communities, and institutions, especially the museum where many of these images reside. Such polemical disputes are problematic for these cultural entities seeking to attract and maintain diverse audiences, significantly influencing their decision-making and politics of display. Based on qualitative empirical evidence and primary and secondary textual sources, this article maintains that the story of an object’s journey through space and time can impact audience attitudes and mindsets especially if rich contextual histories and narratives are promoted in museum spaces. Discussion and analysis will serve to highlight the potential of museum encounters to enlighten and promote understanding through an overview of the religious/historical trajectory of depictions of the Prophet, current museological approaches, in-depth analysis of a particular artwork, and reactions to its display at a specific exhibition site. Final recommendations suggest that exhibiting and encouraging appreciation of “controversial” displays through exposure to an object’s multiple layers of meaning can challenge the viewer to reflect and reconsider their mindsets.