Life in the Square photography book launched at Taz Palace

At one of Egypt’s historic sites dating back to the Islamic period, the Amir Taz Palace, Egyptian photographer Adel Wassily launched Thursday evening his photography book entitled Hayat El-Midan (Life in The Square), commemorating the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Fans gathered in the palace’s main courtyard where Wassily welcomed guests and signed books. The number of attendees was limited and all waited in line for Wassily’s signature. A few steps to the right, another hall featured the art exhibition “Saed We El-Godran” (The Walls and The Hunter) by young artist Shady Youssef. Youssef presents a number of graffiti canvases with commercial slogans, including Pepsi and Coca Cola, blended in with cynical expressions targeting Egypt’s current ruling military regime and highlighting Egypt’s ongoing revolution. The exhibition also honours the martyrs of the revolution. Opposite Youssef’s graffiti exhibition, El-Masreyeen, the popular Egyptian band, lead by Hany Shenouda, played all night in the palace’s second courtyard. Their songs included those of some of Egypt’s most remarkable singers, including Mohamed Mounir. The band introduced a young boy — seven years old, if not younger — to the small crowd. The audience cheered as the young boy sang “Kolaha Hagat” (All Those Things) and “Alemouni” (They Taught Me). The event was organised by the Culture Development Fund.