By Seif El Mashad
Recycling and art is a combination that has been hosted by Darb 1718 several times in the past. This Wednesday a new addition will be added to this tradition when the Recycled Puppets and Masks workshop kicks off. The intensive workshop that will run until 2 March will include two sessions per week, and participants will learn how to use old paper and other discarded materials to create masks and puppets in all shapes and sizes.
The workshop will focus on teaching participants to use recycled materials like paper to create papier mache and different assemblage techniques. The technical aspects of the works will be guided, but the participants have the freedom to choose what kind of mask or puppet they want to create once they have familiarized themselves with the available material.
A parade of all the works will be held at Darb 1718 on 23 February where everyone can show off their creations.
Darb 1718 has a history of organising workshops around the theme of recycling. Two years ago the art and culture centre hosted a fashion workshop using recycled materials with the aid of experienced Spanish and Egyptian artists. Afterwards, the Spanish Embassy hosted a fashion show for the garments that had been made based on what the participants were taught.
“The aim of the workshops is to promote the culture of recycling in Egypt in a fun and educational way,” said Myriam Makhoul, workshops manager at Darb 1718. “We want to teach them that materials of recyclable nature can be turned into beautiful things.”
Besides the creation of items that are simple, colourful and fun, the workshop hopes to promote a better understanding of recycling with the participants and maybe inspire them to move on to using other materials such as water bottles or making other things like earrings.
The workshop will be moderated by Jenna Crowder, an American visual artist and designer who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Art History with a focus in civic engagement and public art who has lead several workshops all over the Middle East.
The Recycled Puppets and Masks workshop is open to both adults and children and those under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult. The price for the complete workshop for adults is a little steep, EGP 830, but children under 10 are only charged EGP 150. Those interested to join can sign up before 5 February.
