Ibrahim El Dessouki's 'Testimony of the Soil' at No.9 Cork Street explores Egypt's history through desert landscapes.

Ibrahim El Dessouki is showcasing his inaugural exhibition in London, titled 'Testimony of the Soil,' curated by Sara Raza and presented at Hafez Gallery on Frieze's No.9 Cork Street. The exhibition comprises four series that metaphorically illustrate Egypt's tumultuous modern history through arid landscapes and desert flora. His Earth Paintings reveal cracked earth with sharp slits exposing red underpainting, symbolizing violence, while Olive Trees and Cacti embody resilience. The Cotton Flowers (2025) series alludes to Egypt's exploitative cotton industry, which surged post-American slavery abolition and played a role in the 1952 revolution. Raza emphasizes that the lack of human figures invites viewers to engage as witnesses, fostering a dialogue between land and life. The exhibition draws literary and cinematic inspiration from Youssef Chahine's 'Al Ard' (1969) and Mikhail Sholokhov's 'And Quiet Flows the Don.' El Dessouki likens his artistic method to James Joyce's 'Ulysses,' aiming for profound insights that encourage reflection. The show, which runs until 25 October, prompts viewers to confront their complicity, resonating with contemporary phrases like 'Silence Equals Violence.'