Both Indian and Egyptian “civilisations… grew around noble rivers”. The two countries are “united by the seas” states Sanjay Bhattacharyya, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt who recently inaugurated the exhibition “Colours of India” in Egypt. He was accompanied by the Minister for Culture, Helmy el-Nannam, in Zamalek at the Egyptian Centre for International Cultural Cooperation. This exhibition was held to commemorate the seventy years of diplomatic ties between the two countries- Egypt and India and facilitate the understanding of India’s rich cultural diversity in Egypt.
India by the Nile
Since 2001, Egypt has been showcasing Indian talent of all forms including dance, music, theatre and food. The annually held festival is called “India by the Nile”. It helps people in Egypt understand the cultural similarities between the countries while the countries also economically benefit each other by indulging in various projects together. The strong ties between the two countries are represented by this showcase that includes art and photography of India by Egyptian photographers.
The most famous photographer is Ashraf Talaat who regularly presents his photography to the public, along with Ahmed Hayman and Ayman Gamal Eldin. Their exhibitions are linked by a certain theme that emphasises one aspect or festival in the diverse Indian culture. In 2017, the exhibition was known as “India through Egyptian eyes” which focused on stories and experiences of the Egyptian photographers. These conveyed the way of life in India as well as narrating memories of the photographers from their adventures far from Egypt.
Significance of Abdul Karim’s Colours of India
This year, the exhibition brought focus to the colours of India, also highlighting the main festival of colours, Holi. Art which used to be primarily for men in Egypt has now transformed into a passion for all giving rise to photographers such as Mona Abdel Karim. Helmy el-Nannam expressed it as important for women like Abdel Karim to represent fields mostly dominated by men. “Colours of India” is Abdel Karim’s first exhibition proving that women are now also receiving encouragement in their work along with the support required for them to succeed in their chosen fields.
While working for the exhibition, the artist herself declared India to be the “land of colours”. She stated that the “shades of colours” found in India cannot be found “anywhere in the world” and that “each artist” who sets foot in India is completely “infatuated” with the plethora of colours that can be found all around the country.
Capturing India’s uncapturable beauty
Jaipur, Jodhpur as well as the rest of North India were areas where even a well-experienced photographer like Ashraf Talaat was unable to stop himself from taking pictures, ultimately capturing more images of a country than ever before. In such cities, the beautiful range of colours almost blended into the lifestyle of the people. Old Delhi areas like Chandni Chowk help photographers capture the hustle in the country yet finding areas of peace that stand out amongst the crowd. These images with contrasting elements can also be used to draw a comparison with areas in Egypt and its atmosphere.
With such a buzz about the colours and their effects, artists like Gamal Eldin chose to show their images in black and white. This helped the emotions and ideas behind each photograph stand out more distinctly. It was also an extremely daring decision made by the photographer to display his own perspective of the country.
Through these detailed shots, a vivid image of India is painted in the minds of the Egyptians which helps in bridging the gap between their understanding of the Indian culture. The two countries work hand in hand, helping each other flourish. In India, “Egypt by the Ganga” is the name of the festival that will soon be held each year to depict the Egyptian culture in India as well.
