The Battle of the Sea 2015

Alaa Awad created "The Battle of the Sea" to echo the style of ancient Egyptian art. Here, Awad invites us to reflect on the theme of conflict within the context of Egyptian history and its reverberations in contemporary society. The flat perspective and stylized figures mimic traditional Egyptian tomb paintings. By doing so, Awad not only revives a historical aesthetic but also questions the narratives of power, struggle, and identity. Against a vivid blue background that represents the sea, we see warriors engaged in combat. Their exaggerated gestures and the chaotic scene evoke a sense of both historical continuity and present-day turmoil. Awad is interested in how the past informs our understanding of the present. Through this painting, Awad prompts us to consider the echoes of history. It’s a reminder of the cyclical nature of human experience. It encourages us to contemplate the legacy of conflict. What does it mean for those living in its wake?