American University in Cairo
New Cairo Campus
Tues 11, 7pm (virtual meeting via Zoom): Join a special virtual book discussion of The Many Lives of Ibrahim Nagui: A Journey with my Grandfather, winner of the Sawiris Cultural Award. This multi-generational memoir explores the life of one of the Arab world’s most celebrated romantic poets, as seen through his granddaughter’s eyes Samia Mehrez. The discussion will feature award-winning author Samia Mehrez, Professor Emerita of Arabic Literature in the Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations at the AUC. She will be in conversation with Joy Amina Garnett, an artist and writer whose work explores memory and loss. The discussion will be moderated by Marcia Lynx Qualey, translator, and literary critic. The link is https://e.cglink.me/2kZ/r300111186
There will be a Q&A session at the end of the discussion; you can send your questions ahead of time via email: [email protected]. The discussion will be streamed live on the AUC Press Facebook page.
Austrian Cultural Forum
1103 Cornishe El-Nile, Garden City, 1st floor, apt 7, next to Shepheard Hotel, Cairo
Mon 10, 7pm: "Mapping Ideas: The Fascinating World of Artist Books" an artist talk with Austria-based multidisciplinary artist Darja Shatalova, currently an artist-in-residence at ARD for Art in Cairo. Shatalova specializes in artist books – carefully crafted works that document her creative process and serve as the foundation for her large-scale installations, performances, and sound projects. With a background in mathematics, she creates intricate notations that look like a mix of calculations and spatial plans – almost like modern-day hieroglyphs. In this talk, she will share insights into her artist books and explain how they evolve into spatial artworks. She will also explore the many forms of artist books, from printed editions and handmade volumes to experimental formats, and discuss their connection to installation and performance art.
It will be followed by a workshop on "How to Create Your Own Artist Book" with Shatalova on 11 and 12 February, 6-8pm.
In this two-day workshop, participants will explore unconventional book designs and create their own artist books. Through discussion, hands-on experimentation, and feedback sessions, participants will develop their personal book concepts – whether text-based, visual, or in hybrid forms.
Bibliothek
Arkan Plaza, Extension of Sheikh Zayed District, Giza, Tel 010 66860098/010 66500748
Sun 9, 6pm: The opening night of renowned artist Mohamed Abla's new exhibition of bronze sculpture titled "Figures and Forms" will feature a panel discussion between Abla and designer Karim El-Hyawan, moderated by Ibrahim Abla. The conversation will explore Abla’s transition from painting to sculpture, the influence of bronze on design, and the dynamic relationship between art and design.
Diwan
159, 26th of July St, Zamalek, Tel 01222 40 7084
Sat 8, 7pm: Join the launch and signing of the book Blue Jacket for a Prisoner, a Worker and a Sailor with writer Ahmed Abdel-Gabbar, in an engaging discussion moderated by Asmaa Gamal Abdel-Nasser.
ALEXANDRIA
French Cultural Institute
30 Al-Nabi Danial St, Mahatet Misr, Alexandria, Tel 03 3913435/3918952
Sat 7, 5pm: "Roads of Peace" programme presents “Solidarity in Our Contemporary Societies” a round table discussion, moderated by Aziz Hilal (French High School in Cairo). With interventions by Georges Fahmy (Arab Forum for Alternatives); Ali Abuelella (Al-Shihab Foundation for Development and Comprehensive Development), and Youssef Naguib (Samu Social International Egypt).
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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