Egyptian-Lebanese artist Lara Baladi experiments with the photographic medium, investigating its history and its role in shaping perceptions of the Middle East—particularly Egypt, where she is based. This installation centers on Oum el Dounia (Mother of the World). Using a digital loom, the artist transformed a photographic collage of her images into this large-scale tapestry. Oum el Dounia reflects Baladi’s interest in the proliferation of images of Egypt, and in how technology and interactivity affect the creation, dissemination, and preservation of visual narratives.
Related programming for Perspectives: Lara Baladi focuses on Vox Populi, Archiving a Revolution in the Digital Age, an archive of images, videos, and texts documenting the 2011 events in Tahrir Square. Planned events include talks with the artist and curator, and panel discussions held in conjunction with the Middle East Institute.
![Masterpiece [Re]discovery 2022. Photo: Ben Fisher Photography, courtesy of Masterpiece London](http://www.apollo-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MPL2022_4263.jpg)
Suzanne Valadon’s shifting gaze