TACHE ART

The works on show by the Egyptian emerging Artist Deena Fadel revolve around the curious story in Egypt, the game between evil and sly. Fadel pictures the political scene in Egypt as a play and brings to attention competition, manipulation, and power within the scene. The artist questions the impact of authority on leaders. She contemplates on its dangers and considers whether or not getting hold of the “chair”, will result in losing one’s genuineness and truthfulness. Fadel sheds light on stereotypical perceptions among the Egyptian society, “heroes” and “victims”, “the beard”, and the “liberal”, ones that are “manipulated” against others who are “framed”. She offers a setting where the good and the bad are ready to encounter more actors within the rehearsed battle. The mixed media works portray organization, against chaos. Fadel forms a juxtaposition between the crowded, chaotic, and at times unsafe, social setting that Egyptians, experience throughout their daily lives on the streets and the political scene; characterized by the competiveness and ambiguity imposed by the leaders. “Heat”, “Hope”, “Framed”, “Hiding”, and ultimately “change” are all titles reflecting the fluctuation of tones within the setting created by the artist as an attempt to picture an end to the story. Fadel’s works are characterized by the use of unlimited materials; she fuses between the material and canvas, and aspires to create the life that she lives momentarily; whether it was by using rains of rice, fabric, old Egyptian coins or her simple oil paints. Deena Fadel studied art at AUC (2005), and advanced level art in Chichester College, in England (2000). She was born and raised in the UK, in 1982, lived in Qatar, then settled in Egypt, which exposed her to various cultures, leading her to grasp different lifestyles and perspectives. The extremism of her experiences between both settings is evident in her work. However, it is Egypt that inspires her and contributes to the warmth of her work. Fadel’s solo exhibitions include “Reversing Forwards” (2010), Kahila Gallery, “When Two Ends Meet” (2009) Mashrabia Gallery, Cairo and “Perceptions” (2005), AUC, Cairo. Since the year 2000, Fadel has exhibited in group shows including, Salon of Youth, Opera, Cairo (2008-2010), The Ministry of Youth Exhibition, Art Palace, Opera, Cairo (2001 – 2004) as well as The Ministry of Youth Exhibition in Qatar and Turkey. In addition to other group exhibitions at AUC, Townhouse, Horizon One in the Mahmoud Khalil Museum, Laguna Vista Gallery in Sharm El Sheikh, and Chichester Hall in England.