By the shores of Lake Qarun in Fayoum, a bus full of artists, journalists, and fans arrived from Cairo to attend the opening of Egypt and the Arab World's first Caricature Museum. Painter Mohamed Abla's old dream of establishing this museum, which he started to put into action earlier this year, finally materialized on schedule on March 1. Abla is a long-time collector of caricatures. The sketches that adorned the museum - comprising a collection of clay huts - come from his private collection of over 300 pieces of acquisitions in addition to donations from writers, caricaturists and their families. From the early works of Saeed Rifky and Santis to contemporary artists including Doaa El-Adl, the museum serves as a sanctuary for the often-overlooked art of caricature. Notable caricaturists, including George Bahgoury, Gomaa Farahat and Taha Hussein, were present among others to inaugurate the museum which is dedicated to the spirit of artist Zohdi El-Adawi, who was among the first to have envisioned its creation. "It is an honor to have them here, said Abla, noting that their presence proved that the idea was attractive to the artists, and also inspired him to work harder to develop it. Abla noted that the museum was the first of its kind in the entire Arab world. "Because it is new and it is unique, it has a lot of power. Fayoum Governor Dr Galal M. Said later arrived, after the ceremonies had taken place and was given a tour of the museum. "A museum is a kind of school, said Abla. He calls it a place "that opens the mind. "With a museum you're opening ideas, opening avenues for participation, said the painter. No doubt the open air of Fayoum serves as an ideal location. "It's quiet, it's beautiful, and I have enough space, says Abla, "It's my space and I don't rent, I don't pay. Abla founded the Fayoum Arts Center in December 2006 to form "an oasis of creativity and a meeting point for dialogue between artists. "My hope is to have a museum with digital archives, says Abla, "That's the only thing which if I reach I will be successful. The prominence of caricature in Egyptian life "is so neglected, says Abla, noting that the museum is only one attempt to give it its due acknowledgment. Cartoonists express the complications of Egyptian life in the characteristic Egyptian satire, says Abla. They are "following problems and conflicts day by day. Musing upon their daily documentation of political and social life, Abla said, "Yes, they are journalists. The museum catalog states the purpose and the importance of the art of caricature: "In order to understand [Egyptians'] reactions, outer appearance, interests and relationship with the outside world, there cannot be a more truthful depiction than the one found in Egyptian satire. One of Abla's personal favorites is a sketch drawn by esteemed artist Makhlouf who depicts a child saluting an Egyptian flag with an old eagle and a younger one on it, instead of the customary eagle. "And this is saying a lot, says Abla. The painter admires the fact that cartoonists are "working hard to express their opinion everyday. This daily active participation in civic life is "something which I cannot do, says Abla, adding "I appreciate what they're doing. Remarking on works of cartoonists like Hassan Hakim, Amr Selim, Samir Abdel Ghani, and Salah Jahin, Abla said "When I look at their work, I get a lot of ideas. Abla also announced the George Bahgoury Award for Caricature, entries for which would be welcomed by May. Like Bahgoury, the award is meant to inspire artists to sketch "the soul of a person. Present caricaturists were invited to sign a large white board at the entry of the museum. Cartoons have been an instrument for change and recognizing their place marks a milestone in Egypt, according to Mohamed Effat Ismail, freelance cartoonist and president of the Federation of Cartoonists Organization of Egypt. Ismail considers the founding of the museum to be the first actual revolution since 1952 "because we need it the most. Saeed Badawi, who has worked with Al-Ahram for 37 years and is also a caricaturist, was elated and said it seemed that "all the artists were dreaming of such a home. "It came true, said a grateful Badawi. For more information visit http://www.ablamuseum.com/
