Qabāţīyah 2012 – I was born and raised in Cairo, and still live in this city of more than 20 million people. With the crowds of Cairo, we always wait along the day: for bread, for transportation, for gas canisters, for appointments… Because I am used to it, the state of waiting is reassuring.

Chongoyape When I traveled to Farrera, Spain, for an artist residency, I found myself living in a village of 25 people, some of whom I never had the chance to meet. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded with big, empty spaces, where I could set my own pace and move around at my own leisure. It was a society and environment completely different from my experience.

In this very specific place, I tried to align reality with my longing for home. I sought a secure place in this alien landscape. The safe place was in my imagination; my memory of home. By virtually multiplying my body, I attempted to create for myself an imaginary community.