Iraqi visual artist Abbas Hashim presented an artistic experience inspired by the memory of Cairo and its cultural and artistic symbols through his exhibition "Here Cairo," which included 24 paintings that captured the features of life in Egyptian popular neighborhoods and the stories, traditions, and social rituals they hold.
Hashim stated in an interview with the news video agency that the idea for the exhibition was influenced by Egyptian drama and cinema since the 1980s and the impact it left in shaping an emotional and cultural image of Egypt. He noted that his interest in its history and culture drove him to read about it and visit multiple times, getting to know its popular neighborhoods and the details of life there.
He added that the works in the exhibition evoke prominent artistic and literary symbols, foremost among them the Star of the East Umm Kulthum and the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, drawing inspiration from the atmosphere of his famous trilogy "Between the Palace Walls," "The Palace of Desire," and "Sugar Street," which were transformed into cinematic works deeply rooted in Egyptian and Arab memory.
The themes of the paintings vary between Cairo balconies, rooftops, and their joys and celebrations, along with the rituals of serving Egyptian sherbet, as well as the atmosphere of the "Great Night," inspired by the creativity of Salah Jahin and the art of puppet theater.
The works also include cinematic characters, such as the artist Omar Sharif in the film "The Harlequin" and the artist Shokoko, along with scenes of alleys and popular cafes that embrace conversations and the details of daily life.
Hashim pointed out that the enjoyment of the experience lay in searching for ideas, evoking stories, and transforming them into artistic works that convey the spirit and uniqueness of the place. He expressed his happiness with the interaction the exhibition received and the admiration of the Egyptian audience and its visitors.