Freiräume – free space – is what brought four German artists of the graffiti project “Masala Movement and two Egyptians together in the lavish garden surrounding what used to be former East Germany’s embassy in Cairo.
Adjacent to the Goethe Institute, the embassy can no longer be entered safely due to its decrepit condition. Yet, from outside, the edifice has lost none of its charm, lit up by new spotlights, the villa towers into Dokki’s night sky to mark the latest project held in conjunction with the institute’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The project tasked the six artists with transforming the walls of the language center (known as ‘the empty space’) into a large piece of art.
Oriental tiles decorate the walls of the institute and through high windows, now barred by dark-green shudders, the communist German ambassador could once enjoy magnificent views of palm tree-spotted greenery below. For the six graffiti artists, the villa provided the perfect canvas: a public space to – in all legality and artistic liberty – play and experiment with colors and characters.
The final outcome of the project, showcased earlier this week, is every bit as impressive as the basic concept itself.
“We didn’t come from Germany to just individually do our thing, Wilja Malik Heilmann (aka Usbekistyle) from Cologne explains. “There was a lot of cooperation and exchange. You see here, for example, I drew this worm which [Cologne-based calligraphy artist] Puya then developed into this wild creature.
The different styles and techniques of the six artists – some of them using spray cans, others only brushes – are clearly distinguishable in the collective art piece. It’s a vivid testimony of the mutual stimulation and inspiration between the six artists and also with their environment.
Demanded by a visitor, Puya, whose alias “Sair4 decorates the villa’s front, explains that the calligraphy on three canvases he produced stands for “Freiräume in letters that appear both Latin and Arabic.
“I got a lot of inspiration from coming here. You know, I didn’t bring anything from back home. I wanted all our work to be a reflection of our impressions here. And now, when going back, these pieces will also be some sort of souvenir for me, of our time in Egypt and what I saw and felt here, Puya said.
In the spirit of the evening, artists and visitors mingled and lounged freely sipping beer and soft drinks in the seating pillows spread across the garden. Additional goodies the Goethe Institute had organized – with great support from Manoj Kurian Kallupurackal (aka Manojmasala), the Cairo-based head of the Masala Movement project – soon got people back to their feet.
Performances by Egyptian break dancing outfit Egy-Crew and local hip hop group Arabian Knightz, drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience and had them dancing well into the night.
The six artists continue to be present on site. They are highly approachable and chat freely with every curious visitor about their creations and experiences. If you’re thinking about checking out their work, make sure to stop by soon.
