BERLIN.- The James-Simon-Galerie in Berlin today welcomed visitors to a vibrant new exhibition, "Threads of Life on the Nile," showcasing the captivating tapestries and batiks from the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center in Cairo. This special presentation by the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, in collaboration with the renowned Egyptian art center, offers a colorful glimpse into contemporary Egyptian life and the unique artistic practices fostered in a remarkable village project. Admission to the exhibition is free and it will run until November 2, 2025.

For over seven decades, the village of Harrania, near the Giza pyramids, has been home to an inspiring initiative founded by the Egyptian architect, potter, weaver, and designer Ramses Wissa Wassef (1911 – 1974). His vision was to establish a school and training center for local children, aiming to revive traditional crafts like weaving and batik that were in danger of being lost. Remarkably, the students of Harrania were introduced to weaving without any formal artistic training. The resulting tapestries, which form the heart of this exhibition, are still created on handmade looms using naturally dyed wool and cotton. Each piece is a unique creation, woven in one go without the aid of sketches or preliminary drawings, even for the most intricate designs that can take months to complete. The inspiration for these vibrant artworks comes directly from the weavers' observations of everyday life in Egypt.

Wissa Wassef firmly believed in nurturing the uninhibited imagination of young people within the supportive environment of his studio. This freedom allowed the young weavers to build confidence and develop their individual artistic voices, relying solely on their own creative instincts. Many of these early students have continued their artistic journey at the center, evolving into accomplished artists with distinct styles.

In 1965, the art center expanded its repertoire to include batik, a traditional textile dyeing technique involving the use of wax to create patterns. Wissa Wassef introduced this art form, previously uncommon in Egypt, to demonstrate the boundless possibilities of creativity across different mediums.

The exhibition at the James-Simon-Galerie brings to Berlin a selection of these remarkable tapestries and batiks, which have earned international acclaim and are held in the collections of prestigious museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London. The artworks vividly depict the rural landscapes, flora, and fauna of Egypt, offering visitors a window into the colorful daily life of the country and revealing the fascinating stories woven into each piece. The exhibition also highlights the distinctive techniques employed in this unique form of textile art.

"Threads of Life on the Nile" is curated by Friederike Seyfried, Director, Ilona Regulski, and Jessica Knebel of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection. An extensively illustrated accompanying book, available in both German and English, has been published as part of the Egyptian Collection's special publications. This exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to experience the rich artistic heritage and contemporary creativity emanating from the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center.