Transcending time and place: the baroque and contemporary artIf not to convey the author's way of seeing, what is art? Some artists leave a significant mark with their views on certain topics. Two such artists who have left their mark through their works are Shirin Neshat and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Shirin Neshat is one of the most famous contemporary artists from Iran. His artwork reflects the Islamic society of Iran, especially women. Because of her outspoken attacks on sexual, political and religious issues in Iran, she was exiled from her home nation. Primarily a photographer, one of Neshat's most famous works is Rebellious Silence from the Women of Allah series (1994). Using stark black and white contrast, his medium is chromogenic printing. Although a contemporary piece seemingly has no connection to an archetype of Baroque sculpture, Bernini explores similar themes to Neshat. Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor and architect credited with creating the Baroque sculptural style. He created his sculpture Ecstasy of Saint Teresa in 1647-1652 and is located in the Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome. Its medium consists of marble, stucco and gilded bronze. Although coming from different times and places and using different mediums, both Neshat and Bernini expressed themes of individualization, religion, and sexuality in an evolving cultural landscape. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayA contemporary digital piece and a classic example of Baroque sculpture seemingly have no common thread uniting them, but Neshat and Bernini both relate the individual to religion in their works. Bernini was Catholic and Neshat was Muslim; both depicted elements of their respective religions in their works. Bernini's sculpture depicts Saint Teresa of Avila, who received visions from God. In her writings about these visions, Teresa describes how she would suddenly feel consumed by God's love, feel the bodily presence of Christ or angels, and be been elevated to an exalted state of ecstasy. Bernini's knowledge of Teresa and her writings are evident in the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. His sculptural group portrays a unconscious Teresa with her head thrown back, her mouth open and her eyes closed. There is also an angel that looks like a cupid holding a golden arrow towards his heart. Teresa is visibly overwhelmed by the amazing sensation of God's love; Bernini skillfully demonstrates Teresa's agitation by adorning her with heavy robes. Bernini infuses this scene with golden rays, seemingly from God. This adds a divine presence and illustrates how Bernini connects a moment in an individual's life with religion. Bernini captured Teresa's desire to unite spiritually with God. Compared to Bernini's stage play, Neshat's Rebel Silence is a much starker depiction of individualization than religion due to its black and white nature. A Muslim woman wears a hijab and holds the barrel of a rifle, which symmetrically divides her face. Additionally, a Farsi poem is written on the woman's face, making it appear as if she is wearing a niqab (a veil that covers the entire face except the eyes). His gaze is straight; she is courageous and confident. His gaze also turns to women's sexuality, but not in the conventional sense. It is veiled and "oppressed", but looks directly at the viewer. There is no denying that this woman is in control of her life and is not oppressed. Neshat served to deconstruct the Western notion.