Cocoon Culture blossomed into existence in the heart of Downtown Cairo in the iconic Immobilia Building—once home to Anwar Wagdy, Laila Murad, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Omar El Sherif and other legendary cultural figures that left an indelible mark on Egypt’s creative legacy. It was co-founder Mariam Shaath’s lifelong aspiration to establish a cultural hub where creatives, whether curious novices or seasoned artists, can gather in a welcoming safe space of sorts and express themselves freely.
Their latest workshop ‘Warshet el Khalat’ explores the use of mixed media as a medium of self-expression. Through experimentation with a diversity of mediums, tools and materials, the ten-session workshop led by famed mixed media artist Abdulrahman Mahmoud will help participants hone their visual storytelling skills, delving into a variety of different approaches and techniques with expert guidance. From exploring free drawing and learning color theory to experimenting with markers and caricatures and collages, participants will have the opportunity to not only sharpen their sensory abilities but uncover healthy outlets for expressing their emotions.
“The workshop explores mixed media which is the practice of using different materials and elements to create a final piece and that’s exactly what a blender does. When you’re making a smoothie, you add different fruits together to create a final product. And so warshet el ‘khalat’ was born” shares co-founder Mariam Shaath to #TheHabibiEdit.
Instructor Abdulrahman Mahmoud is lauded for his stirring portrayals of Egyptian society through mixed media art, quickly making a name for himself in the Egyptian contemporary art scene. His work has been showcased across a number of prominent galleries, art spaces and exhibitions including the Agenda Bibliotheca Alexandria in 2019 and 2020, the 29th and 30th Youth Salon, the Alexandria Youth Art center Competition, Tam Gallery Cairo, Urban Sketchers, Al Gezira Art Center, the Egyptian International Art Fair and Access Art Space.
The workshop is open for beginner- and intermediate-level artists and will run over the course of a month from 27 August to 27 September. The 10 sessions will take place on Saturdays from 3 pm to 6 pm and Tuesdays from 7 PM to 9 PM. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place at cocoonculture.org
