Cairo's Art Festivals Engulfed in Politics
Cutting-edge art festivals in Cairo blend art and politics, Sarah el-Sirgany reports from Cairo.
CAIRO — A man holds a placard of former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi and faces a screen playing footage identical to the man’s surroundings, almost. On the screen, the sign he’s holding turns into a photo of Muslim Brotherhood leader Khairat El-Shater. The other signs featuring non-Islamist leaders appear as either Islamist politicians or members of the Mubarak regime. Chants supporting President Mohamed Morsi echo through that Zamalek street.
Sameh El-Tawil was taking pictures and video footage. He said he’ll post the “fake” video online showcasing the distorted image of reality, his own commentary on the nation’s media and political scenes providing both a backdrop and inspiration to his and others’ digital installations that breezy March night.
"Vs.", an Augmented Reality, interactive art work by Sameh Al Tawil within the Di-Eg festival in Cairo, Egypt.
