The City Will Haunt You

There's an inherent beauty in buildings and cities, often concealed and intangible. This beauty might elude us if we aren't provided with a richer context or if we don't delve deeper. Modern architecture and urban planning, governed by the principle that "form follows function" and propelled by the technological advances of a post-digital age, can sometimes overshadow these subtle beauties.

Such dynamics can divert our attention, preventing us from understanding our own relationship and identity with the urban environment. Growing up, the towering structures of bustling cities enveloped me. The sensation of feeling minuscule amidst the looming buildings in narrow alleyways was constant. These experiences, though initially overwhelming, forged an unspoken bond with the metropolitan landscapes I frequented.

This exhibition seeks to encapsulate that journey. It chronicles the evolution of a young boy who, amidst the labyrinthine streets and towering edifices, discovered his calling as an architect. It's a tale of a quest for identity that, paradoxically, led him back to the very essence of his hometown, revealing the hidden allure he once overlooked.

"The City Will Haunt You" is an exhibition featuring two sections: the first is "Alexandria is a Tram," and the second is "The Cairo Sketches." Both series were created using AI text-to-image software. These series are part of my broader artwork exploring technology, identity, architecture, and heritage. I use digital art to comprehend who I am and how I perceive beauty, guiding my actions in both my professional and personal lives!

The City is a Tram

Before moving to the US, I had lived in the city for almost my entire life. To me, it hadn't changed beyond recognition over those years of foreignness. Still, it prompted me to question my memories, especially as the city had undeniably weathered many storms during the 35 years of my life. This reflection made me realise the intangible bonds I share with the city: from memories of trying to outrun the tram as a child with my friends to the hours Yomna (my wife) and I spent walking in its old streets, marvelling at its mixed European architecture under the rain, to the tearful goodbyes in its alleys when it was time for me to depart. The city has transformed, just as I have. Now, all I can do is continually revisit and question my memories of what it once was.

"The City is a Tram" stands as an artistic collage of these intangible memories, reflecting the visual identity of my hometown.

Cairo Sketches

I personally believe that for an outsider, Cairo might seem perplexing at first glance, radiating a peculiar charm that's both awkward and enchanting. Over the millennia, this ancient city has witnessed unparalleled layers of civilizations and cultures, each leaving its indelible mark. As with any entity steeped in history, Cairo carries a palpable weariness, as if the weight of its stories has etched into its very fabric.

Every day, locals march in synchronized rhythm through its streets, all converging to catch the bus. The Cairo bus experience is an embodiment of the city's soul: unique, hauntingly beautiful, and revealing of its character. Imagine a place so densely packed yet where every individual makes room for another. It feels akin to opening one's home and heart to strangers.

While Cairo boasts numerous sights, the true magic lies not just in its iconic landmarks but in the silent tales its walls and streets share. They whisper stories of resilience, of dreams, of moments of joy and sorrow, acting as silent advocates for its inhabitants who have journeyed through time's adversities.

The "Cairo Sketches Series" is an artistic reflection of this reality. It seeks to bridge the gap between the tangible streets and crowds and the intangible beauty of these whispered tales, offering viewers an immersive journey into the heart of Cairo.