Over 45 premier Egyptian and Western visual artists were invited to participate in what was a truly unique public art-oriented exhibition for Cairo. Each participating artist was given two fiberglass donkeys (a life-size form and another 1/4 life-size) to paint as they wish according to the theme: “In Peace and with Compassion—the Way Forward”.

 

The exhibition follows in the footsteps of an approach to public art that has featured painted animals, yet with an added depth in its symbolism, intention and message. It is with this purpose that the donkey was selected. The donkey symbolizes peace and compassion in cultures of Egypt and the West, as well as in their creeds, Christianity and Islam.