Art, in its true sense, can represent a multitude of meanings; it can help us ponder, feel, contemplate and alter our perception; helping shape reflective individuals. To create art that reflects the various societal issues is also an indication of socially aware and mindful art, which is connected to a reinvigorated sense of civic engagement and of social justice. In Egypt, art was used in various ways over the years to reflect the diversity of human events and pivotal historical events, such as the January 25 uprising, where street artists expressed their dissent and emotional rage on Cairo’s walls. Today, feminist issues are being expressed through ‘artivism’ in Egypt; a form of art that combines artwork with activism, with examples including the Artopathic social platform. Sara Ayman Ragab is also another artist behind the the viral sexual harassment outfit, which became a rallying cry for Egypt’s ongoing #MeToo movement. Mohamed and Haitham Elseht (Twins Cartoon), who are the founders of Garage comics magazine, co-founders of Cairo Comix International Festival and promoters of the collective Kawkab el Rasameen initiative, led the Gender Equality workshop in a collaboration with the Spanish Agency…
Fighting Gender Stereotypes and Sexism: Art Meets Activism in Cairo Workshop
March 2, 2021
