Egyptian artist Gazbia Sirry’s, “The Nubian Family,” captured the moment of displacement of thousands of residents by the flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam. In 1962, artists throughout Egypt were invited to capture the moment. Instead of painting the construction of the dam itself, Sirry chose to pay homage to the villagers that lived there. Find out more in this AJ+ Arabic piece with Sultan. Read more »
Egypt
The Politics of Egyptian Fine Art
When the revolution broke out in 2011, Egyptian artists were thus well positioned to take on a much more direct, activist role, and many did. Art changed as well, becoming more accessible and purpose-driven. Now, as the tide again has turned to authoritarianism, the unbridled hope of the uprising has waned, negatively affecting art as much as any other part of the revolution. Yet there are glimmers of dissent in the art that lives on, and many reasons to think that Egyptian artists will be part of the vanguard of the next wave of social and political change, whatever it may be. Read more »
Walid Ebeid: Outside Prisoners
Take a closer at Walid Ebeid’s, “Outside Prisoners.” In this episode for AJ+, watch as Sultan analyses the different layers of the piece which examines the daily struggle for food in Egypt. Read more »
Inji Eflatoun: Massacre of Denshawai
In 1906, British soldiers assaulted villagers in the Egyptian delta. Those that fought back were imprisoned and executed. The incident enflamed growing Egyptian anti colonial sentiment and was captured in Inji Aflatoun’s “The Dinshaway Massacre.” It is the focus of Sultan’s discussion in this AJ+ story. Read more »
Huda Lutfi: Democracy is Coming
In 2003, Egyptian artist Huda Lutfi’s piece was created in opposition to the war on Iraq. Mostly gray, the painting shows Um Kalthoum, wearing a halo formed by the sarcastic words, “Democracy is Coming,” staring at ominous jets in the sky. Watch as Sultan takes a closer look at the piece in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
Rafat Ishak: Immigration Application
194 letters sent to 194 countries requesting the right to immigrate to them make up this mixed media installation by Egyptian artist Raafat Ishak. Take a closer with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »