A project of peace, painted across 50 buildings | eL Seed

Creating Art in Manshiyat Naser: A Transformative Experience

Introduction to the Project

• The artist shares their intention to beautify Manshiyat Naser, a neighborhood of Cairo known for its garbage collectors, aiming to highlight this marginalized community through art.

Background on the Community

• The artist first learned about the Coptic community in 2009 when Egyptian authorities slaughtered 300,000 pigs under the pretext of H1N1, devastating their livelihood as pig breeders reliant on organic waste.

Navigating Manshiyat Naser

• Describes entering Manshiyat Naser as a maze filled with trucks and tuk-tuks amidst overwhelming noise and smell from garbage collection operations.

• Despite its chaotic appearance, the community has developed an efficient system for sorting garbage over decades but remains stigmatized due to their association with waste.

Artistic Vision and Challenges

• The artist's initial idea was to create an anamorphic piece visible only from a specific vantage point on Muqattam Mountain, which holds cultural significance for the community.

• Upon reaching out to local leaders like Father Samaan and Mario, a Polish artist integral to the Cave Church’s artwork, they received support for the project.

Community Engagement and Message

• The artist incorporates Arabic calligraphy into their work, choosing relevant messages that resonate with both local culture and universal themes.

• They selected a quote from St. Athanasius of Alexandria emphasizing clarity through perspective—"Anyone who wants to see the sunlight clearly needs to wipe his eyes first."

Project Execution

• After extensive planning involving logistics and collaboration with local residents and international team members, they began painting across 50 buildings in the neighborhood.

Building Relationships

• Initially met with skepticism from locals who didn’t understand the project's purpose; however, personal connections began forming as buildings were identified by family names rather than numbers.

Transformation Through Art

• Uncle Ibrahim became a key figure during this process; he expressed pride in seeing his home painted after years of hard work without breaks. His change in perception highlighted how art can foster unity within communities.

Reflection on Purpose

Calligraphy and Community: A Journey in Manshiyat Naser

The Symbolism of Perspective

• The calligraphy circle's formation symbolizes the importance of perspective; to truly understand someone, one may need to change their viewpoint.

• Working in challenging environments, such as amidst livestock or garbage, tested the team's resolve but was mitigated by the kindness of local residents.

Community Connections

• The expression "Ahsen Nas" (the best people) reflects the warmth and hospitality of Uncle Bakheet and Aunty Fareeda, who welcomed everyone into their home.

• Local children initially refused gifts from strangers due to a cultural teaching that encourages them to consider others' needs before accepting help.

Challenging Misconceptions

• The project highlighted societal misconceptions about communities like Zaraeeb, prompting reflection on judgment based on differences.

• Uncle Ibrahim emphasized that the project fostered peace and unity among diverse groups within the community.

Cultural Exchange Through Hospitality

• Frequent tea breaks during work illustrated Egyptian hospitality; locals often offered refreshments regardless of where they lived in the building.

• The phrase "Nawartouna" (You brought light to us) encapsulated how locals expressed gratitude towards visitors for their presence and efforts.

Lasting Impact Beyond Art

• The art project served as a medium for human connection rather than just an artistic endeavor; it aimed to leave a lasting impression on both artists and community members.