the incompatibles

The backdrop of the painting is unrest in the Middle east – Israel-Palestine, Iraq-war, and controversy of the Prophet’s cartoons. There are multiple meanings intended in this piece.
First, the Escher Cube. It is an impossible cube. It consists of elements – shown on its sides – irreconcilable within themselves and with external elements as well. Giving rise to conflict.
The top shows McDonald’s logo. A symbol of crass commercialism of the US. Under it is a rolling tank with the flags of Democracy and Freedom of Press aflutter. This very method of imposing Democracy and Freedom of Expression through military might, as adopted by the West, is impossible. Then these values get tainted with blood – hence the red lettering.
On the right is the flag of Denmark, the country at the heart of the recent controversy. The white cross on the flag can also be taken as a symbol of christianity, again surrounded by red.
On the left are muslims in namaz, no benign prayers there as the gun is very much at hand. Another contradiction within an element. They have their back turned to the West as well.

This image has been used by the National Alliance People's Movement's Magazine, India for their special issue
- October - November 2006