Twenty artists have the chance to express themselves in an exhibition at Darb 17/18 and show how the Egyptian Revolution has affected their works. The exhibit, named "Express Yourself," is the outcome of an illustration art workshop that was held at Darb 17/18 is April, supported by "Pro Helvetia," the Swiss Arts Council in Cairo. “An important aspect of the workshop was the mix between participants' backgrounds, but almost all of them completed art or graphics," said Joelle Fulmet, the Swiss supervisor of the workshop. “Express Yourself debated the process of creation and how it becomes a passionate issue and even a topic for some. Some artists are used to expressing themselves and usually know what ideas they wish to work on, but decided to take advantage of the workshop to push their work and to play on the idea of illustration. On the other hand, some illustrators and graphic designers – despite skills and talent – are more insecure about managing a project on their own for creation to exhibition," Fulmet added. Flumet showed a series of drawings made just after the workshop, attempting to make a link between personal memories and social issues in Egypt. The Egyptian artist made fun of a common image of Egypt's Revolution: when people said there were KFC meals in Tahrir Square. “It is simply stupid, ignorant and funny. I believe that his smile is for a reson, a sarcastic smile to show how simple-minded they are, but thanks anyway – they gave us a good laugh at Tahrir,” he said. Sudanese artist Amado Alfadni tried to show a different image of Africa from the one which western media has played a role in creating: a certain image which affected the way Africans see themselves, and believe in an Africa continent that is exotic, poor and violent.
