CAIRO: The American University in Cairo (AUC) has recently launched an initiative to preserve the murals painted on the walls of Mohamed Mahmoud Street around AUC's Tahrir campus. Plans are underway to preserve the current images, life-size, in another medium so that they might be later displayed. In the aftermath of the Port Said tragedy, artists painted murals on walls surrounding the Mohamed Mahmoud street to commemorate those who lost their lives during the revolution and recent uprisings, to recognize the role played by women and to depict the relationship between the ruler and the general populace since Ancient Egyptian times. The works of art have attracted a large number of visitors, initiating a wide range of political discussions. Recently, however, several walls have been repainted by authorities –– an action deemed by several faculty members at AUC as a considerable loss of popular art in a legitimate artistic space.
“As a historian and an AUCian, I believe the murals on the Mohamed Mahmoud walls stand as a testament to the popular art of the Egyptian revolution and, at the same time, the University's place in Egyptian society,” said Amina El Bendary, assistant professor in the Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations. “It is a physical proof that AUC is not an isolated space in Egyptian society and that, by extension, its people are also part of the bigger story of the country.” The January 25 Revolution of 2011 marked the end of the 30-year Mubarak era and the dawn of a new beginning for Egypt –– one that has witnessed the emergence of new forms of artistic expression, particularly street art. Graffiti artists have organized themselves into groups and painted the streets of Cairo with nationalist themes as a means of self-expression. “In a city that has been barren of colorful public art for such a long time,” said Yasmine Motawy, writing instructor at the Department of Rhetoric and Composition, “the Mohamed Mahmoud murals are inspirational to us all and breathe life onto city walls stained with soot and plastered with remnants of campaign posters and advertising.” The murals are not only an expression of a transformative moment in Egypt's history, but that of the University as well. “From the very first day, AUC has been part of this revolution by virtue of its location, but also by virtue of the engagement of its members,” said Saad. “The murals on our walls in Mohamed Mahmoud Street are about the martyrs of the Port Said massacre. We should do all what we can to preserve them. We should do it for all of them, and for our Omar.” The murals and stencils change rapidly, almost daily, and express a range of emotions, ideas, agendas and platforms. Revolutionaries cherish the art, and visitors and locals alike are frequently seen posing for photos in front of the murals. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/JLbzq Tags: Art, Egypt, featured, Graffiti, Revolution Section: Egypt, Latest News
