In a recent turn of events, the Frick Pittsburgh Museum has come under fire for its decision to postpone the highly anticipated Islamic art exhibition, titled “Treasured Ornament,” initially scheduled for a November 2023 opening. The museum cited a scheduling conflict as the primary reason for the delay, but a report from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review uncovered emails from museum staff suggesting that the Israel-Gaza conflict played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Elizabeth Barker, the executive director of the Frick Pittsburgh, acknowledged that concerns arose after the Israel-Gaza war began, leading the museum staff to reconsider the exhibition’s timing. She stated that they realized the exhibition might be seen as “insensitive” by some, and for many in their community, it could be considered “traumatic.”
However, the decision to postpone the exhibition has garnered swift criticism from both Muslim and Jewish groups, sparking a broader conversation about the implications of such a delay. The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) expressed concern that the postponement perpetuated the harmful stereotype that Islamic art and Muslims are somehow linked to terrorism or antisemitism.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that neither American Jews nor American Muslims should be held responsible as a religious group for the actions of individuals or foreign governments.
This controversy highlights the broader tensions and rise in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities across the United States since the Israel-Gaza conflict erupted. Federal officials have noted increasing concerns about the safety and well-being of these communities.
In response to the backlash, Elizabeth Barker released a statement, revealing that the “Treasured Ornament” exhibition would be rescheduled for August 2024. Barker expressed deep regret over the museum’s poor communication regarding the postponement and pledged to work on repairing relationships with the Muslim community.
Barker further explained that the decision to postpone “Treasured Ornament” was made on October 16, a little over a week after the Israel-Gaza conflict began. The museum’s staff expressed concerns about the historical context and the western lens through which the exhibition had been curated. In preparation for the revised opening date, the museum plans to involve the local Muslim community to ensure the exhibition is more inclusive and culturally sensitive.
While some Muslim civil rights groups have called for the museum to reconsider the delay, Christine Mohamed, the Executive Director of CAIR-Pittsburgh, found the decision disturbing, emphasizing that it disregards the vast and diverse Islamic world and the essence of cultural diversity that art represents.
Adam Hertzman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh expressed a welcoming attitude toward the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the cultural diversity of religious groups. Hertzman added that it is vital not to connect the exhibition remotely to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
While “Treasured Ornament” remains postponed, the Frick Pittsburgh has introduced a new exhibition, “The Red Dress,” which opened on October 7. This exhibition features embroidery work from over 380 contributors, including Ukrainian and Palestinian refugees, offering a message of unity across cultures and serving as a source of hope, solace, and understanding during these trying times.