The blue wadi: resurrection (2024)

Installation

Sculpture and drawing

In a small desert plot in the heart of bustling Cairo, where one can escape from the city’s chaos, it is discovered that this barren desert was once a sea. Here, layers in the soil reveal different worlds.

I embark on a journey there to explore the notions of apocalypse, environmental extinction, and adaptation to catastrophe. I ponder how much the land can tell us about history and who we are.

This project was commissioned by W139 and part of the "Outside the Soup" exhibition, initiated by Hend Samir and Afra Marciel.

Thanks to the impressive W139 team:
Annette Wolfsberger, Tomas Adolfs, Dana Claasen, Ghaith Qoutainy, Andre Avelas, Ana and Levi van Gelder.

This work wouldn't have happened without the help of:

The geologist Amr Abouelsoud is involved in scientific and geological research.

Wessam Wafik dyed the 5-meter drawing with black ink.

Alaa Aaboelgoud in making the creature joints.

Photos by Pieter Kers and Elodie Vreeburg