Untitled (shop front in Cairo) c. 1880

Editor: This vintage photograph, "Untitled (shop front in Cairo)," is attributed to G. Lékégian. The architectural details are amazing! What strikes you most about this image? Curator: I’m drawn to the intricate mashrabiya screen above the shop. These screens weren't just decorative; they were a crucial part of the social fabric, allowing women to observe the street life below without being seen. What does that say about visibility, gender and public space? Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty facade, but a statement about women's roles? Curator: Precisely. The architecture becomes a visual representation of societal norms, reflecting both privilege and restriction. It challenges us to consider how spaces are gendered and controlled. Editor: I hadn't considered that. It gives the photo a whole new layer of meaning. Curator: Exactly, seeing art through this lens encourages dialogue around power structures, and whose stories get told, and how.