Detail from the mural in the room “Revolution” by Hanaa El Degham.
© Kulturprojekte Berlin and Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Oana Popa-Costea

The Rebirth of Osiris

The mural “The Rebirth of Osiris” by the Egyptian artist Hanaa El Degham can be seen in the room “Revolution”. We present it in the series “Favourite Object”.

by Stefanie Friedlhuber, Kulturprojekte Berlin
The mural combines images from ancient Egyptian mythology with scenes from protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square (2011) and statements by activists.

One object, many questions: “The Rebirth of Osiris”

In a conversation with Sophie Eliot, a staff member of the Stadtmuseum Berlin with a focus on outreach, the artist Hanaa El Degham went into the background of her interactive artwork on 25 May 2022.

Artist Hanaa El Dagham during her work on the mural in BERLIN GLOBAL
© Raman Khalaf

Brinda Sommer, head of the curatorial team at BERLIN GLOBAL, tells us why the mural is her favourite object.

Portrait Brinda Sommer
© Kulturprojekte Berlin and Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Oana Popa-Costea

How did you become a part of BERLIN GLOBAL?

I‘m Brinda Sommer, head of BERLIN GLOBAL’s curatorial team, and I joined in early 2016. I had worked at the Stadtmuseum Berlin before and consequently was asked to join the exhibition.

Why is the mural by Hanaa El Degham your favourite object?

Many activists participated in the creation of the mural, and their voices form the background for Hanaa’s work. Their statements are visible within the painting, inspiring the artist in turn. I’m a fan of this pluralistic approach and the process behind it.

Detail from the mural in the room “Revolution” by Hanaa El Degham.
© Kulturprojekte Berlin and Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Oana Popa-Costea

The work is also incredibly expressive. It conveys great emotions like anger and sadness, and shows how strongly societies and individuals are moved by revolutions. Last but not least, the artist has also let her own experience with revolution become part of the painting. Additionally, Hanaa critically reflects the site the exhibition takes place in. I therefore appreciate the mural as a contribution to the current debates surrounding the Humboldt Forum.

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