Tunisian artist eL Seed explores the topic of ‘perception’ through artwork that questions society’s judgment and misconceptions of certain communities that are "different".

Unveiled during Art Dubai 2016, this project highlights the Coptic community of Zaraeeb, in the neighborhood of Mokkatam Mountain in Cairo. Considered dirty and marginalized, this community collects and sorts by hand Cairo’s daily garbage through a highly profitable recycling system.

With a team of 21 people from all over the world, eL Seed created in three weeks an anamorphic artwork that covers more than 50 buildings. This circular masterpiece is only visible from one point on top of the Mokkatam Mountain and was created using fluorescent white paint that was only illuminated on the completion of the project.

Taking one year in total – from concept to execution – to be completed, this project that blends between the art of Arabic calligraphy and modern graffiti uses the words of Athanasius: “anyone who wants to see the light clearly needs to wipe his eyes first.”

Mirella Haddad