Art Corner Gallery to Feature Exhibit on Egypt's Most Infamous Killers

Known as Egypt’s most notorious serial killers, Raya and Sakina are still very much alive in the nation’s collective memory. The duo’s gruesome killings in 20th century Alexandria have inspired films, plays and literature across the Arab world. Now, further immortalizing the infamous pair is a new exhibit entitled ‘Tale of Raya and Sakina’ featuring the work of Alexandria artist Ghada Al-Najjar, which will be displayed at the Art Corner Gallery in Zamalek on November 28.

‘Tales of Raya and Sakina’ will feature 30 acrylic paintings, which borrow the same colours used in 20th century women’s fashion. The exhibition uses the tales of Raya and Sakina as a jumping point to showcase other women’s lives from that period, putting the spotlight on their traditional clothing and jewellery.

Unlike most other sensationalist works on the subject, the exhibit doesn’t fall prey to the allure of murder and prostitution surrounding these crimes. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the culture and social dynamics of the Alexandrian underclass - a microcosm of life in El Labban, the poor, subaltern community in which Raya, Sakina and their victims lived.