Betwixt the Page and the Canvas: A Study of the Image of the Desert in Bahaa Taher’s Sunset Oasis and Gazbia Sirry’s Compositions from the Desert

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of English Literature and Language, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University / Faculty of Languages, MSA University

Abstract

Despite the desert's omnipresence in the landscape, the Nile dominates the Egyptian perception of space, often overshadowing the desert's significance. This study explores the complex relationship between the Nile and the desert in shaping Egyptian cultural identity. This investigation examines the contrasting representations of the desert through two distinct media: Bahaa Taher’s novel Sunset Oasis (2006) and Gazbia Sirry’s Compositions from the Desert (1974-1981). Utilizing J.W. Mitchell's theory of representation, the research highlights the intertwined relationship between verbal and visual narratives, revealing how each medium informs and complements the other. The analysis identifies key dialectical dualities, such as space versus place and feminine versus masculine, showcasing how these dynamics influence the representation of the desert. In Sunset Oasis, the Sufi perspective imbues the desert with mystical qualities, while Sirry's abstract paintings depict a matriarchal world where women and nature assert strength. The findings indicate that the Nile serves as a cultural anchor, shaping the desert's identity as both a site of beauty and a representation of life amidst adversity. Ultimately, this research underscores the enduring impact of the Nile in Egyptian consciousness, transforming the desert from a barren expanse into a vibrant, meaningful entity, thus illustrating the unique interplay between water and sand in Egyptian cultural narratives.

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TANWĪR: A Journal of Arts & Humanities
Volume 2024, Issue 1
November 2024
Pages 20-52

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