Arabic Calligraphy and Public Space in Contemporary Contexts before and After 2011 Egyptian Revolution

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer of Mural Painting, Painting Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University Egypt

Abstract

In 3122, the Egyptian society witnessed a strong shift in the 
aftermath of 25th January Revolution. Major political, social, 
cultural and economic challenges have occurred together with 
other unprecedented overlaps in art scene. A remarkable change 
has dominated the public space of Egyptian cities; Mural 
paintings that implemented Arabic calligraphy were considered 
constant reminders for passers-by of the drastic changes the 
„Arab spring‟ brought to the region.
In this regard, setting a comparative framework of the 
relationship between Arabic calligraphy and public space before 
and after 2011 Revolution is a necessity. Not only because a clear 
transformation in the freedom of art practice has emerged, but 
also to shed a light on the role Arabic Calligraphy has played in 
documenting different political and social discourses

Keywords