Disciplines
Art Practice | Arts and Humanities
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Within the context of the production of contemporary art, interest has increasingly focused on global art. New cultural and artistic exchanges have influenced and enabled artists of diverse backgrounds to gain recognition with international art exhibitions being the forum in which to encounter and interpret new artistic representations. The 55th Venice Biennale held in 2013 hosted over 88 national pavilions, exhibiting works by over 150 artists. It was here that I encountered the work of Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy and his large scale multimedia mosaic ‘The Valley’. Through visual analysis and a dialog with the artist I examine Banawy’s exploration of the mosaic technique and medium of clay with respect to his Egyptian heritage. I consider how his materials carry symbolism in reference to the history and landscape of the Nile Valley. Using landscape theory I formulate a context for Banawy’s work within the contemporary Egyptian art world's prevailing concerns with nationhood, authenticity, and the application of heritage.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
COTA - Art and Design
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Jessica Stephenson
Included in
Mohamed Banawyʹs "The Valleyʺ And The "Treasures Of Knowledge"
Within the context of the production of contemporary art, interest has increasingly focused on global art. New cultural and artistic exchanges have influenced and enabled artists of diverse backgrounds to gain recognition with international art exhibitions being the forum in which to encounter and interpret new artistic representations. The 55th Venice Biennale held in 2013 hosted over 88 national pavilions, exhibiting works by over 150 artists. It was here that I encountered the work of Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy and his large scale multimedia mosaic ‘The Valley’. Through visual analysis and a dialog with the artist I examine Banawy’s exploration of the mosaic technique and medium of clay with respect to his Egyptian heritage. I consider how his materials carry symbolism in reference to the history and landscape of the Nile Valley. Using landscape theory I formulate a context for Banawy’s work within the contemporary Egyptian art world's prevailing concerns with nationhood, authenticity, and the application of heritage.