Name: Alaa Awad
From: Egypt
Scholar at: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Gallery 51 (North Adams, MA)
Q: What was the inspiration behind your mural, “Justice”?
The inspiration was Egyptian heritage and symbols of peace and happiness. MaHt, the goddess of Justice became the center of the mural.
Q: Where is your favorite place to go to in Massachusetts?
On the summit of Mount Greylock at an old lodge and restaurant where I gave a presentation. The views of the countryside from the mountaintop were fantastic.
Q: Tell us about a funny or interesting moment you have experienced during your program.
There were many interesting moments while I was working on the mural: like five teenage girls on walking to a concert stopped to paint on the mural with me or new friends sitting together on the sidewalk eating rhubarb pie looking at and talking about the mural. Many people volunteered and helped on the mural.
Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in the United States?
Seafood!
Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?
The Metropolitan Museum in NYC especially the African, Egyptian wings and the Modernism exhibitions.
Also, the mountain top and on the street where I was creating the mural I met many interesting people.
Q: What does cultural exchange mean to you?
It means exchanging knowledge and experience and the positive expressions in our lives. Leaving the mural here means that this exchange can keep going even though I’m returning to Egypt.
Alaa’s 100-ft mural, “Justice” is now on display along Center Street in North Adams, Massachusetts. Read more about the mural’s inspiration and hear from the MCLA show curator, Julia Mogan-Leamon. And watch the mural take shape with this process video!
Check out Alaa’s additional 12-painting installation, “Thebes”, in MCLA Gallery 51.
Alaa’s street art in Egypt during the Egyptian Revolution caught the eye of many citizens and reporters alike.
