Some of Avedissian's images are drawn from everyday life in Egypt—popular media, films, advertisements and personal experiences. Some symbols refer to Egypt as an Arab nation; others are taken from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. By repeating and layering images, Avedissian infuses his works with multiple meanings. He draws our attention to the many facets of modern Egyptian experience and identity and to Cairo's visual landscape.

As you look at his works, try to find the images identified below. Then look for others not included in this guide.

 

Airplanes — depicted as toys and in air raids. Artwork begun during the Gulf War reflects Avedissian's concern that Egypt's ancient and modern histories and cultures could disappear.
Anubis — jackal-headed god of the dead. Avedissian refers to the god simply as "the dog."
Bee — associated with the god Re; symbol of the bounty of the natural world
Cintemani— pattern consisting of three circles (leopard spots) and two wavy lines (tiger stripes) frequently found in some Islamic textiles. Avedissian spent many years designing textiles.
Crescent moon and star — emblem of Islam; used in a number of modern flags
Flywhisk — in Egypt, associated with colonialism and the archaeologists who excavated ancient sites
Ibis — sacred bird identified with Thoth, the god of the moon and a patron deity of scribes and writing
Radio — reference to Nasser's many speeches and Om Kalsoum's musical performances that were broadcast over the radio in the 1950s