S2 Ep5: Towards Artistic Activism

In this bonus episode, we speak with graphic designer Hussein Salem, former art director at Cairo-based design studio 40MUSTAQEL. We discuss Arab Futurism - speculative movement imagining postcolonial Arab futures - what it could mean, and why it's so challenging to define. Hussein shares how Arab Futurism has shaped both his personal practice and the studio’s work, as well as looking at broader questions of decolonising design.

A discussion of artistic activism in Iraq with Hella Mewis, artistic director of Tarkib, an organisation based in Baghdad that addresses social, environmental and political issues through art. We talk about the importance of supporting early and mid-career artists, and how important initiatives such as Tarkib are supporting the rearticulation of Iraqi identity, particularly amongst young people.

In this episode, we explore the rich history and symbolism of Tatreez, a traditional form of Palestinian embroidery that has evolved into a powerful tool for cultural resistance and storytelling. Featuring insights from Dina Asfour from the Tatreez Collective, and Rachel Dedman, curator of contemporary Middle Eastern art, the conversation explores how Tatreez has been shaped by war and occupation, and its ongoing significance for Palestinian identity, resilience, and activism.

In this episode, we speak with Egyptian artist Ahmed El Shaer about his diverse artistic practice spanning painting, video art, and new media. Ahmed discusses his recent project for Sonica Glasgow, which explored the narrative and history embedded in the city's architecture. Ahmed's work creates a sense of place by uncovering hidden stories in objects and environments, bridging cultural perspectives through his unique lens as an Egyptian artist working internationally.

This episode looks at the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the survival of the Sudanese artistic scene in the face of displacement. Curator, artist and founder of the Muse Multi Use Studios, Reem AlJeally speaks to us about her work, engaging with Khartoum from afar, and the significance of the Sudanese capital beyond the physical in the artistic imagination.

Exploring the work of Mogasam, a Cairo based project creating a 3D scanned archive of the city. We talk with Karim Fouad, founder of Mogasam, about memories held within physicality, digital restitution, and whether there is ever an argument to be made for letting cultural heritage decay.

Voicing Art is a podcast amplifying creativity from the Arabic-speaking world, collaborating with artists, creatives, and academics to highlight some of the most exciting ongoing projects. Throughout season II, we’ll be talking about everything from creating digital archives of Cairo and conceptions of Arab Futurism, through to the canvas as a site of Palestinian resistance, and much more. Powered by Transmission Roundhouse.

Featuring Rania Mneimneh and Ghazaleh Zogheib discussing their recent Kalila wa Dimna exhibition, its themes of migration and social engagement, and photographer and anthropologist Ebrahim Bahaa El Din on his work capturing the changing landscapes of Cairo in the face of urban development.Produced and presented by Emily Primmer-PykeAdditional editing and mixing by Marnie Woodmeade

Featuring founder and CEO of the Shubbak Arab arts festival Alia Alzougbi and Soufiane Chinig, whose research focuses on street art in Morocco and Jordan. We talk about hierarchies within arts spaces, how Covid has changed how we relate to art in different environments, and how to encourage greater accessibility within arts spaces.Produced and presented by Emily Primmer-PykeMusic by Carol OHair

In conversation with Carol OHair, Beirut based DJ on community within the Lebanese music scene, creating narratives in techno music, and her defining sounds of Beirut.Produced and presented by Emily Primmer-PykeMusic by Carol OHair