The Word
series of mixed media installations (inkjet prints, bible pages, nails, acrylic)

Miguel Libarnes is a conceptual artist. He creates artworks about identity, sexuality, and human connection.

Miguel Libarnes was born and raised in the Philippines. At the age of 18, he moved to the U.S.A. and studied visual arts at UC Santa Cruz. He now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Focusing on his identity as a queer, Filipino surfer with a highly conservative Catholic upbringing, he aims to blend this heterogenous mixture of conflicting cultures through art. 

[ Official Website ]

(Top 4 images on Google Search for “Bindi”)

A bindi (Hindi: बिंदी, from Sanskrit bindu, meaning “a drop, small particle, dot”) is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia(particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Mauritius).^[1] and Southeast Asia. Traditionally it is a dot of red color applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of a sign or piece of jewelry worn at this location.

In modern times, bindis are worn by women of many religious dispositions in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and is not restricted to Hindus. Many Muslim women in Bangladesh and Pakistan wear the bindi as part of makeup.

• From Vedic times, the bindi was created as a means to worship one’s intellect. Therefore it was used by both men and women. The worship of intellect was in order to use it to ensure our thoughts, speech, actions, habits and ultimately our character becomes pure. A strong intellect can help one to make noble decisions in life, be able to stand up to challenges in life with courage, and recognize and welcome good thoughts in life. The belief was that on this a strong individual, a strong family and strong society can be formed.

• In meditation, this very spot between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya) is where one focuses his/her sight, so that it helps concentration. Most images of Buddha or Hindu divinities in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focused between eyebrows (other spot being the tip of the nose – naasikagra).

Bindis are worn throughout South Asia, specifically India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, by women, men, girls and boys, and no longer signify age, marital status, religious background or ethnic affiliation.^[5] The bindi has become a decorative item and is no longer restricted in colour or shape. ^[6] Self-adhesive bindis (also known as sticker bindis) are available, usually made of felt or thin metal and adhesive on the other side. These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older tilak bindis. Sticker bindis come in many colors, designs, materials, and sizes. Some are decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones.

Bindis are not always red, nor always a dot, nor always worn by women. They are called kumkum or bindi, or tilak (“mark”) when worn by men. Usually Hindu women, priests, monks and worshipers wear it. Men wear it on auspicious occasions such as Puja (ritual worship), or marriage, or Aarti (waving of lights), on festive occasions such as on Raksha-bandhan, Bhaai-duj, Karvaa Chauth or Paadwaa or Dasshera, or while embarking on, or upon return from a voyage or a campaign. It is also worn by Jains and Buddhists (even in China).

More on Wikipedia

Jerry Blossom will be appearing tonight for The Cabaret Cabaret 6 at Anatomy Gift Association in Pilsen. (Taken with Instagram)

Jerry Blossom is wearing an American flag Harley Davidson denim vest and 373 Prayers, a custom-made rosary necklace by Kiam Marcelo Junio, which commemorates the 373 years of Spanish occupation in the Philippines.

oceanofmind:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, famous? Actually, who are you not to be?

… 

Absolutely lovely. For those who think “muslim” and “fashion” don’t go anywhere near together. 

asiansnotstudying:

ASIANS ARE FASHIONABLE?!?! OMFG! But I thought they only accessorized with centimetre-thick glasses.

Also, total shout out to our parent site! We love you!

muslimswearingthings:

The 2010 Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur’s fashion week just rounded up. As with any fashion show, you see an eclectic mix of color, style, fabric, wearability, and not so wearability. However, as traditional Muslim garb, all of these should be feared for their fierceness.

HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY! 

Facebook Discussion: On headscarves, religions, and cultural differences.

Click and enlarge. Discuss!

olena:

“The series is about Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha living together in a Tokyo apartment while taking a vacation on Earth.” -Wikipedia

 I’m addicted. HELP.