Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marwan Shahin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marwan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In 2011 after the horrible police brutality cases being widely discussed over social media, young people started protesting against the Egyptian government which was pretty surreal. After the persistence in Tahrir square and all over Egypt we took down the corrupted regime, which to me was the most inspiring experience of my life. I felt it was my duty as an artist to create an iconic representation of the young people’s Revolution.

I chose to combine the revolutionary Guy Fawkes mask with Tut Ankh Amun because he was a young pharaoh who died at the age of 19, to honor all of the young Egyptian kids who sadly lost their lives too early in the events of the uprising in 2011. Later I decided to take off his crown as I wanted him to represent the people not the king. I created a mural of “Anonymous Pharaoh” right after the uprising in Egypt on this big grey wall in Alexandria, around mid- February just before the Mubarak regime was taken down, and both the people and the street art world really responded to it, it was really amazing to see how the people started wear- ing the Guy Fawkes mask during Egypt’s protests post 25 January 2011.

Later The authors of the critically acclaimed book “Walls of Freedom” Basma Hamdy and Don Karl reached out to feature “Anonymous Pharaoh” on the cover of the book which documented all the street art and graffiti that flooded the streets of Egypt during the revolution. The book itself was banned in Egypt and all the copies coming from Germany got confiscated by the customs, because they said that the book was “instigating revolt” as it contained imagery confronting the police and armed forces at that time.

After creating “Anonymous Pharaoh” during the Egyptian revolution and I had the privilege to witness how people can come together as one to make
change and do the impossible, when people get over the minor differences and unite for their rights and the common good is the most powerful human experience and definitely the most inspiring. I definitely believe that If art can deliver a message to the people in a powerful, relatable way it can generate a conversation that empower people to feel confident to voice their opinion and demand their rights.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Marwan Shahin, a visual artist and creative director based in Los Angeles. My journey into the world of art was heavily influenced by my Egyptian heritage, which provided me with a deep well of ancient design wisdom and artistry to draw from. This blending of old and new has been the cornerstone of my artistic philosophy.

My work spans a wide range of creative expressions, from traditional painting and sculpture to digital art, illustration, and 3D modeling. I’m particularly drawn to exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and contemporary social issues. My art serves as a vehicle to convey thought-provoking messages, often touching on subjects such as gender, sexuality, environmental concerns, and social commentary.

I started my artistic journey by designing album covers for renowned names in the music industry, such as MIA, Snoop Dogg, and TroyBoi. This immersive experience allowed me to explore the intersection of visual art and music, as I translated their music into compelling visual narratives. My designs for album covers eventually evolved into crafting merchandise for these artists, bringing their brands to life.

This venture into music branding led to an exciting chapter where I delved into creating logos and branding for various clients, This parallel work as a creative director while being a recognized artist helped me to start my own creative practice “Shahin Studios” which extend my talents and skills into the realm of public art, silkscreen printing, branding and beyond. I’ve had the opportunity to work on stunning projects for international clients, commercial and residential spaces.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I aim to inspire a deeper understanding of pressing global challenges and motivate positive change through my work. I focus on addressing social and environmental issues, challenging stereotypes, and exploring human identity, I genuinely believe in the power of art to spark conversations, I’m passionate about reviving and building upon Egypt’s rich artistic heritage. For over 7,000 years, Egyptian culture has been a deep well of inspiration for the world, yet few Egyptian artists have continued to build upon this legacy. In contrast, Japanese and Chinese creatives have seamlessly integrated their histories into their contemporary works.

I strive to change this narrative. Drawing from my Egyptian roots, I aim to harness the design, artistry, and architecture that have defined Egypt for millennia. By combining ancient Egyptian references with modern themes, I intend to create work that not only resonates today but stands as a testament for generations to come. This is my way of paying homage to my heritage and ensuring that Egyptian culture continues to inspire and inform the world of art and design.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2022, global attention was captured as climate activists started to vandalize renowned artworks like the iconic “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” and Warholʼs “Campbellʼs Soup Cans.” In light of the urgency of the environmental crisis, I found myself questioning the efficacy of this particular form of protest, given my background in activism and resistance.

In response to this dilemma, I embarked on a new body of work that reimagines these vandalized masterpieces, infusing them with my unique perspective. Central to this endeavor is a profound belief in the power of using art as a force for change, rather than resorting to defacement. Through these exquisite recreations, I’m addressing critical global issues, artfully weaving together elements of pop culture, mysticism, political themes, and resistance to inspire a transformative dialogue. It’s a powerful exploration of the potential of art to influence meaningful change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marwanshahin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marwanshahin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShahinStudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwanshahin/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrMarwanShahin
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shahin-studios-custom-t-shirt-silkscreen-printing-los-angeles