21/07/2026
When Art Becomes Dialogue
One of the most inspiring moments of CAIRO ON THE RHINE was the Artist Talk: "Cultural Codings – When Encounters Change Our Perspective."
Bringing together artists, curators, and audiences from Egypt and Germany, the discussion explored how culture quietly shapes the way we see the world—and how meaningful encounters can transform those perspectives.
The conversation was opened by Marianne Pitzen, Founder and Director of Frauenmuseum Bonn, who reflected on her experiences in Egypt and the importance of cultural exchange. Yasemin Yilmaz, Curator and Initiator of WE – Women in Exchange, shared the vision behind the project, while Shereen Badr, Founder & CEO of ARTODAY, highlighted the role of long-term artistic collaboration in building lasting connections between cultures.
A defining theme of the discussion was the idea of non-verbal dialogue through art—where artists responded to one another through their works, allowing new meanings to emerge beyond language.
This was beautifully illustrated through the collaborative research of Omnia Salah and Andrea Isa, who explored the cultural parallels between the Nile and the Rhine, revealing shared myths such as the Loreley and the Nadaha, and reminding us that different cultures often carry remarkably similar human stories.
The discussion also reflected on Weaam El-Masry's work Traumatized with Dignity, opening a conversation about vulnerability, trauma, resilience, and the ways these experiences are shaped by culture.
Through Karola Teschler's installation Before You Shaped Me, the audience was invited to reflect on one fundamental question: What shapes who we become?
The audience's thoughtful participation confirmed what this project has demonstrated from the very beginning:
Art does not erase differences—it creates the space to understand them.
ARTODAY
Where art brings us together.
