In Egypt, a person who ignores reality is said to ‘live in watermelon water’. In this work, this popular expression was projected onto a futuristic scene that embodies a state of indifference with a futuristic and sarcastic vision.

Aisha Shalaby is an Egyptian Art Director and multidisciplinary artist based in Istanbul, working under the persona Cairopatra, reflecting her heritage and modern creative vision. She blends her painting and digital design practices, drawing inspiration from her Egyptian and Arab roots to create vibrant, surreal works exploring emotions and introspection. Currently focused on oil painting, branding, and analog photography, Aisha’s work seeks to connect deeply, sparking resonance beyond language.

In Egypt’s bustling streets, the toktok symbolizes daily life—simple yet essential, weaving through alleys to serve all. But what if this cultural icon leaped into the future? My work presents a satirical and imaginative vision of tomorrow’s Egypt, where the toktok hovers, carrying the same Egyptian spirit. Its witty slogans remain unchanged, even as its form evolves—an enduring reflection of Egypt’s identity, resilient through time, blending progress with timeless soul.

“Paul Cézanne’s book was produced as part of a book design course, where the artist’s works were redrawn and reinterpreted in a modern way. Paul Cézanne, the master of Impressionism, inspired me greatly with his world of paintings and illustrations. Therefore, I redrew them in a brighter and more modern style, while designing the book and revising the entire content to reflect the artist’s journey.”

Rendezvous: Meet Me in the Cinema Three postcards project reviving Cairo’s cinematic history, featuring three iconic Downtown cinemas: Metro, Radio, and Miami. These venues, each with their unique history, have been gathering places for generations, where stories on screen become part of the city’s cosmopolitan culture.

This poster captures the essence of Cairo’s dynamic fabric. The 3D text reflects the city’s dynamic skyline, while the street characters and patterns with it’s vibrant colors symbolize the layered complexity of a metropolis that is both timeless and ever-changing.

Inspired by the streets of Egypt, Mai illustrated this art piece with vivid elements like the iconic red fez, pottery water jars, cracked walls, bright blue street signs, and colorful decorations. She also included countryside touches like the dovecote. The diverse characters at the center are surrounded by expressive slang proverbs in a handwritten style, conveying the wisdom and authenticity of the Cairene people throughout history.

In this illustration, Mai shows the beauty of the minaret of Ibn Tulun Mosque using both manual and digital techniques. The bright colors and textures highlight the minaret’s unique design and its historical importance. Mai used colored markers for a lively effect, while digital tools added depth and contrast. This artwork celebrates the mix of tradition and modern style, inviting viewers to appreciate the mosque’s grandeur.

he Caged collection embodies the six stages of rebirth, transforming the struggles and emotions of confinement into wearable art. Each piece reflects a journey of transformation, celebrating resilience, individuality, and inclusivity. Handcrafted by skilled local artisans, these designs turn music and emotion into timeless jewelry, offering a unique symbol of personal evolution.

Oddly Even balances minimalism and individuality, crafting a fashion identity that surprises within simplicity. The brand’s design merges clean lines and timeless aesthetics with unconventional details, creating a visual narrative for modern, stylish individuals who value sophistication with a twist. Each element reflects the brand’s ethos: minimalism reimagined with an edge of the unexpected.

Sapori Seashell’s rebranding elegantly balances tradition and modernity, showcasing its evolution while honoring its artisanal heritage. The design emphasizes premium quality and approachability through refined visuals, rich tones, and minimalist packaging, creating an identity that celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and the joy of indulgence.

This typeface was created as a pre-masters project, at the German University in Cairo. SAHM is a variable Arabic typeface that can be controlled through two axes. The first is a slant axis, which provides the ability to adjust the direction in which the letters are leaning, while the second axis controls the thickness of the letters’ baseline.

Censorship in Egypt restricts freedom of expression

“Freedom of expression will be stopped with violence.”
The flag of the Egyptian army features two crossed swords. In the poster, one of these swords pierces the balloon that usually, in comics, contains the texts spoken or thought by a character. In Egypt, freedom of expression is repressed with force.

This portrait encapsulates the collective experience of a society shaped by powerful forces of control and limitation. It serves as a profound reflection on Cairo while extending to the broader condition of Egypt, offering a contemplative lens on the tension between resilience and submission within an unyielding system.

* This portrait was improvised while listening to “Ali Phi – Endelah”

Branding for Agency

Inspired by a Kuwaiti song called Hela ya Romana. It was a project for the pre-masters 2021-2022 and the topic was ‘nostalgic’. The project was called ‘Balooza’

It was part of my pre-masters project in 2021-2022.