CAIRO - As demonstrators gathered near Al Tahrir Square – the epicentre of the protests in Egypt which toppled Hosni Mubarak – protesting against the clashes that erupted between Muslims and Christians in a Giza suburb last week, people of different nationalities gathered in the downtown-based Mashrabia Gallery. They were there for the opening of an exhibition that shows Cairo, among other cities, as an inspiring and exciting metropolis, despite its complexities. Here is the paradox that lies at the heart of Cairo City: despite the familiarity and affection that exist between locals and foreigners (residents and tourists), why do disputes flare among the Egyptians themselves, disrupting the peace and stability of the metropolis? Earlier this month, a ferocious street fight broke out in Imbaba, across the river from Zamalek, between Muslims and Copts – who make up about 10 per cent of Egypt's 80 million population – leaving around 15 people dead and two churches blazing. The clashes were triggered by allegations that Copts were holding a woman against her will in a church there, because she converted to Islam. Similar allegations have been made in other, recent, high-profile cases of sectarian conflict. The reasons behind the recent religious violence which has swept Cairo remain ‘vague' and ‘enigmatic', but much blame is put on the Salafists (ultra-conservative Muslims), who have become increasingly visible since the Egyptian revolt. The rumours that stifle sectarian tension in Egypt are said to be a ‘ploy' by Salafists, who want to boost their standing after decades in the wilderness, or a ‘fool's game', being played behind the scenes by some elements who want to tamper with the security of post-revolutionary Egypt. But it very strange that Muslims and Copts, who a few months ago broke every barrier and, for the whole world to see ousted a dictator by means of their love and unity, should be moved by ‘unsubstantiated, private news' to start battling each other. It is the perplexity and complexity, as well as the joys and sorrows of Cairo's life, which has inspired Australian artist Damon Kwarsky to depict it in his drawings in ‘In Visible Cities', an exhibition being held in a downtown gallery. The exhibited works also include images based on Kwarsky's visits to Damascus, Chicago, New York and his hometown, Melbourne. The theme of the city, a long-held area of interest for the artist, is prominent in the exhibition. The paintings highlight some areas like Islamic Cairo's Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Melbourne's Flinders St. Station, Pakistan's Ominabad, India's Jaisalmer, Damascus, Chicago and others. “Visiting new places and having time to draw and explore cities all around the world inspires my works. In a place as exciting and as rich with life as Cairo, it is impossible not to be inspired,” Damon Kwarsky told The Egyptian Gazette. Although his drawings depict different cities, you feel there is something common between all of them, a universal character which binds them all together. Maybe it's the white and black used or the focus on rooftops which gives such a sense of commonality. “The universal thing that joins all these cities is the people who live in them. I know that much fuss is made of the different languages, religions and cultures we all have, but we are all human beings with loves, families, worries, hopes. And I think we share more things together than those that separate us,” Kwarsky said. “By seeing that places like Cairo, New York, Chicago and Melbourne have so much in common, the viewer might think that the people who live in them are somehow like the rest of us, needing respect, care and love,” the artist added. Despite the similarities between the drawings, the distinctive details of each place make them totally different. People are Kwarsky's focus in his art. He thinks that, in their connection with the city, they can rediscover themselves, moulding their feelings, orientations and attitudes anew. “I want the audience to make up their own minds about the stories and ideas in my art. We all know that it is possible to be happy or sad in a city, just because of the way the sun shines or if a car stops to let us cross the street,” Kwarsky explained. ‘In Visible Cities', an exhibition by Australian artist Damon Kowarsky, is being held at the Gallery of Contemporary Art, 8 Champollion St., Cairo. It is open daily except Fridays from 11am-8pm and runs until June 2.
