Atheist critic blind to current religious symbols

Here on the skin of the artist are iconic references to both Australian and Muslim identity that creates something new. This is a mark that confronts my expectations about whether this figure is in my tribe or not, or more correctly whether I can widen the boundaries of what constitutes an Australian identity to include this person who is different.

The marking of skin is an act recorded in this photograph that unhooks expectations and creates something new – a space for change and new understanding. Abdullah comments: 'The figures look out at the viewer expectantly, trying to build some sort of bridge.'

The artist has in this image achieved two things. He has sympathetically helped us find our way alongside the skin of another. But, secondly, he offers us a way to bridge the space of separation by imagining something new – a Muslim Australian identity that broadens our sense of who 'we' are, that invites inclusion and an expansion of our definitions of identity.

I like the way art works. Seeing, and being seen, is an invitation to step outside the stereotypes that straightjacket behaviours and to be surprised by the creative diversity of human culture. Diversity might be our culture's greatest resource. It may also be our greatest challenge, to dare to open our eyes wide enough to truly see. Sorry John, your idea of God is too small.