Meet Marwan Shahin | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marwan Shahin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marwan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
As an artist and activist, my upbringing in Egypt has had a profound impact on my artistic vision and values. Growing up in a country with a rich cultural history, I was exposed to a wide range of artistic traditions and styles from an early age. Moreover, my awareness of the social and political issues facing Egypt and the broader Middle East has informed my approach to art and activism.

In particular, I was deeply influenced by the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, which I witnessed firsthand and which inspired much of my later work. Through my art, I sought to raise awareness of the struggles facing ordinary people in Egypt and to inspire them to stand up for their rights.

I believe that my background and upbringing have played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic vision and fueling my passion for social justice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I strive to create works that are not only visually striking but also imbued with meaning and significance. I believe that art has the power to inspire, to educate, and to effect positive change in the world, and my work reflects this belief through a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, and my willingness to experiment with different mediums and techniques. I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including my Egyptian heritage, my experiences living in Los Angeles, and the social and political issues that are shaping our world today. which concludes my practice asis a celebration of the creative disciplines of my ancestors going back more than 7000 years, documenting modern history in-the-making through beautiful, thought provoking art by exploring disruptive concepts to bridge the gap between the past, present, and future.

One of the things I am most proud of is my artwork “Anonymous Pharaoh” which I spray painted in Egypt during the Revolution in 2011, after becoming the symbol of the uprising, it got featured on the cover of the “Walls of Freedom” book, which has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. It was a testament to the power of street art to capture the spirit of the people’s revolution and to inspire people around the world, its currently on view in a museum in Hamburg Germany till 2024.

Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy, but it was worth it. I faced numerous challenges along the way, including financial struggles, a lack of recognition, and the inherent difficulties of making a living as an artist. But I persevered by staying true to my vision and continuing to create work that spoke to me and to the issues that mattered most to me.

Along the way, I have learned many lessons, including the importance of persistence, the value of collaboration, and the need to stay true to my artistic vision, even in the face of obstacles and I feel like that was essential to our growth and we apply these lessons every day at Shahin Studios, our new Los Angeles-based design and art production studio dedicated to create museum quality merchandise, editions, art objects, murals, garments and installations. We currently offercustom silkscreen printing services for a variety of merchandise. We collaborate with cultural, commercial and private clients around the world to design and produce memorable experiences on multitude of mediums.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my art is more than just an expression of my creativity; it is also a reflection of my commitment to using art as a means of effecting positive change in the world. Whether through my paintings, murals, or installations, I hope to inspire people to think critically about the issues that affect us all and to work together to create a better, more just, and more equitable world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would say I love to have people over our studio in Echo Park/DTLA, I cherish sharing my process and art up close and personal with my friends.

I also used to live in Hollywood for 4 years so I love sharing its hidden gems with my friends. I have to take all my visitors to Good Times at Davey Waynes, they get to walk in through a fridge door! its epic. Maybe watch a show or movie at The Montalban theatre to experience a truly Hollywood vibe.

One of my favorite spots to eat is probably Electric Owl in Hollywood and Dune at Atwater Village.

To nourish our artistic souls, we’ll check out the contemporary art at the Broad Museum and the cutting-edge exhibitions at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery, Subliminal Projects & Mirus Gallery are always fun to go.

We’ll hike up the scenic Runyon Canyon and take in the breathtaking views. And when we need a break from the city, we’ll escape to the gorgeous beaches of Malibu for a swim and some sun. It’s all about experiencing the eclectic mix of culture, history, and nature that LA has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As an artist and activist, I owe much of my success to the people of Egypt, who have inspired and motivated me through their courage and resilience in the face of oppression. I also want to give a shoutout to my LA family, who have made me feel at home since I moved from Egypt 5 years ago. Their unwavering support has been a constant source of inspiration and strength.

I want to dedicate my shoutout to all those who have supported me on my artistic journey, from my family and friends to my collaborators and partners including my brother and founder of Shahin Studios which we just started operating here in LA, as well as Daelen Cory of L’Esprance Design, Leonardo Ledesma of ArtSeen, Gil Smith of the Montalban Theatre, Ariana Rugs, Shepard Fairy, Ariya Behjat. Their support and contributions have been invaluable, and I am grateful for their precious friendship and continued partnership. and I am honored to be able to work alongside such talented and committed individuals.

Finally I’d love to give a special shoutout to my supporters, collectors, clients and followers. Their support and enthusiasm for my work have been a constant source of motivation, and I am deeply grateful for their continued support and love.

Website: https://www.marwanshahin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marwanshahin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwanshahin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmarwanshahin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marwanshahinart

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shahin-studios-custom-t-shirt-silkscreen-printing-los-angeles