TALE TONIC EXHIBITION: Celebrating the 10TH Edition of AWAN Festival

AWAN Festival in collaboration with The Africa Centre, is proud to present the “Tale Tonic” exhibition, showcasing the paradoxical works of contemporary Egyptian artists Marianne Fahmy, based in Alexandria, Egypt, and Nada Elkalaawy, based in London, UK. The exhibition is curated by Hanya Elghamry, an Egyptian artist and curator.

The exhibition is open to the public from March 14 to March 30 as part of the AWAN (Arab Women Art Now) Festival, celebrating its 10th edition this year.

Tale Tonic features a range of mediums, including paintings and textile designs. Fahmy and Elkalaawy, each renowned in their practice, delve into the realms of construction and deconstruction, unraveling cultural motifs, found images, objects, and historical references within their distinctive works.

The artists utilise these elements as the raw materials for crafting hypothetical narratives and storylines within their work. The resulting artworks encourage viewers to go on an introspective journey, challenging preconceived notions, and fostering an environment where personal interpretation is paramount.

The exhibition intentionally emphasizes the viewer's role in shaping the narrative, urging them to question and assume meanings subjectively. A central theme of “Tale Tonic” is the deliberate challenge to authoritative interpretations, prompting reflection on how historical references, cultural motifs, and found images contribute to the shaping of our present reality.

**Open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm.

“Tale Tonic” promises to be a highlight in the Arab Women Art Now Festival's 10th edition, offering a unique perspective on contemporary Egyptian art.

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AWAN Festival is produced by Arts Canteen and supported by Arts Council England, Bagri Foundation, and Cockayne Foundation.