A strategic focus for CARAVAN is to encourage and facilitate East-West artists’ exchanges; i.e. artists from the Middle East having experiencing the West and vice versa. This year we are pleased to be able to focus on the noted Egyptian artist Marwa Adel who has secured a Fulbright Fellowship and as of last month is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focusing her study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA).
Marwa, who comes from a Muslim background, has been an important artist in CARAVAN’s interfaith exhibitions for a number of years. Born in Cairo, Egypt, Marwa holds a BA and an MFA from the Advertising Department in the Faculty of Applied Arts from Helwan University, Cairo, and now teaches there. She is photographer and installation artist who combines text with photography in many of her projects. Her use of text accentuates and confirms the visual message, making use of digital and standard photography, calligraphy and digital photo manipulation. Marwa defies traditional Middle Eastern norms by using pictures of the human body in her work, using it as a form of expression and in revolt of social restrictions. Reflecting on her art, Marwa says, “One needs to express themselves in a way to make society hear, feel and understand you.... When you find your life you will find your identity." She has held numerous solo exhibitions, and participated in noted international exhibitions, winning esteemed awards for her bold and powerful creations.
In addition to assisting Marwa during her time in the US, CARAVAN is organizing two solo exhibitions of her work in the first half of 2016; in the greater Chicago area and in Philadelphia at the historic Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (More information will be shared closer to the exhibition dates).
-For more information on Marwa Adel’s work in CARAVAN’s “THE BRIDGE” exhibition, see: “Transition”
-Marwa Adel’s work is commercially represented in the US by CARAVAN’s partner Syra Arts.
