Dancing With Fawazeers and Fantasies
Marwan Sabra
Marwan Sabra by Ämr Ezzeldinn
Marwan Sabra, an Egyptian visual artist, has explored diverse forms of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, music, and acting. His works are deeply rooted in cultural and personal exploration, and his journey through the world of art has been shaped by his unique experiences and passion. Below is an insightful conversation chronicling his journey and highlighting his artistic philosophy and inspirations.
Can you tell us about yourself and when you first discovered your talent?
I was born in Alexandria, though I didn’t live there, but I like to mention it because most of the personalities and artists I admire have roots in Alexandria. We then moved to Cairo, where both my father and mother were my main supporters since childhood. My mother would bring me sketchbooks used by university students even though I was very young, and we would draw in historical places like Al-Muizz Street and Al Hussein. In the last year of primary school, I participated in dance activities, where my father would drop me off and wait for me. I wasn’t from an artistic family; they didn’t have those artistic interests, but they did everything they could to support my artistic journey. I also remember when I was in middle school, I watched the movie Gharam fi al-Karnak (Love in Karnak), starring the Reda troupe. I saw Mahmoud Reda dancing, and I watched the Halaawet Shamsina (The Beauty of Our Sun) performance, and I felt then that this is what I wanted to do.
Why did you choose this field, this specific artistic path and this unique style?
Profession is a very limited term for art. As I grew older, I encountered many obstacles that set me back, and that’s why art isn’t an easy path that you can take simply. You must be able to withstand what happens to you, which you can never predict. As an artist, you see the truth of life, and with that, you understand your work and your goal. There’s no right or wrong answer to this. You just reconsider your work, nothing more.
How would you describe the aesthetics of your work in your own words?
I don’t usually focus on the shape, aesthetics or techniques of my work. I enjoy the things that are fun for me. I practice what I love and don’t look for a specific style to develop. Your style comes through evolution and maturity, not by searching for it. I’m interested in music, performances and surrealism. My works often resemble a dance performance, aiming to surprise and engage the viewer, with elements of magic and contradictions within the artwork.
Why do you paint yourself in many of your works?
I started painting myself simply because I didn’t have time to find models. After repeating this, I memorized the features of my face and could paint without a reference. Over time, I grew comfortable with this and, surprisingly, people liked it.
Do you think your work reflects your cultural heritage? If so, how?
In my paintings, you always find elements that reflect my love for Egypt, such as its green spaces, myths and magic. I’m inspired by Cairo’s historical layers and the beauty of places like Al-Muizz and the House of the Judge. Egypt’s rich and diverse history continuously informs my artwork, reminding viewers of the timeless wonders within our cultural heritage.
Who is your Diva?
Sherihan, Nelly, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Michael Jackson—they all share common qualities. They all have vision, strong self-confidence, and their work will live on for many years. They deserve the title of diva.
