Cairo’s green spaces (2014)

A satirical take on the lack of green areas in Cairo, this series documents the abundance of green-colored items or surfaces available across the city. Metal, cement, plastic, and other materials are what make-up these alternative green spaces in Cairo.

In this city with a population of over 10 million, the individual’s share of green space is about 1½ square meters. Given how these areas are not evenly distributed in Cairo, the actual per capita green space might even be less than ½ square meter. Meanwhile, the international standard of per capita green space is at least 10 square meters.

Humor and lightness – and any mental associations of green as a peaceful, relaxing color - are in contrast with the reality in the framed scenes, which amount to a depiction of the city as almost claustrophobic with synthetic materials.

This series was exhibited at Contemporary image collective in Cairo in 2014.