Tahtib 1 2017

Editor: This is "Tahtib 1" by Alaa Awad, created in 2017. It’s an acrylic on canvas depicting a traditional stick-fighting scene. The stylized figures and the warm color palette give it an almost dreamlike quality. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful commentary on the performance of tradition and identity, deeply rooted in the sociopolitical context of contemporary Egypt. Tahtib is more than just a folk custom; it's a staged representation of masculinity and cultural pride. Consider how the artist uses a contemporary medium like acrylic paint to depict this age-old tradition, thus putting in dialogue both temporalities. Editor: That’s interesting. So you see the choice of materials as a conscious decision? Curator: Absolutely. Think about how folk traditions, especially in postcolonial contexts, become sites of both resistance and negotiation with dominant powers. Awad seems to be questioning the ways in which tradition is curated and consumed, both internally and externally. The very act of staging, like the stage visible in the image, frames our interpretation of tradition, turning it into a deliberate act of performativity. Editor: I hadn’t considered the layers of performance like that. So, the painting is not just documenting Tahtib but also prompting us to think about what Tahtib, or any cultural ritual, represents? Curator: Precisely. Who are the spectators here, and what role do they play in legitimizing this spectacle? And how does Awad position *us*, the viewers of the painting, in relation to these different layers of performance? Are we complicit in exoticizing or romanticizing Egyptian culture? Editor: This definitely makes me think about the responsibility that comes with viewing art from different cultures. Thanks, I am beginning to understand more. Curator: It’s crucial to be aware of these dynamics, and approach the painting as an intersection between visual art and cultural studies. This awareness can enrich our perception of art and hopefully enable an attitude of critical awareness.