Egyptian artist showcases work at Yinchuan event

A scene from Wael Shawky's three-channel video. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky, 46, created Al Araba Al Madfuna, a work including an installation and three-channel video, in 2012 in which he explores the role of metaphysics and myth in human society.

And he is now showing the work at MOCA Yinchuan through Dec 17.

The display coincides with the China-Arab States Expo, to be held from Sept 6 to 9 in the capital city of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Egypt is this year's guest country of honor at the expo.

Shawky's work features three short films that were inspired by a visit to the village of Al Araba Al Madfuna in 2004. They show children participating in ritual ceremonies while reciting short stories written by Egyptian author Mohamed Mustajab.

The tales of cursed villages and apocalyptic visions in the films immerse the audience in an atmosphere composed of theater effects and weirdness.

Wael Shawky [Photo provided to China Daily]