At the heart of Romany Hafez’s exhibition lies the intricate relationship between representation and reality which we explore through his black and white photography of Coptic Monasticism.

Drawing inspiration from Erwin Panofsky’s theory, particularly his concepts of iconography and iconology, Hafez’s work transcends mere representation to delve into the deeper meanings and cultural contexts embedded within these sacred spaces.

Hafez’s work challenges these mediated representations by presenting the raw, contemplative essence of Coptic Monasticism in stark monochrome. The images embody a duality: while they capture the tangible aspects of monastic architecture, they also evoke a deeper, almost ethereal quality that transcends mere representation.

The use of black and white accentuates the emotional weight of the scenes and strips away the distractions of color, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in fundamental truths of monasticism such as Spirituality, Solitude and Ritual while Silence can be felt in the stillness captured in the photographs, inviting moments of introspection and connection with a timeless spiritual tradition.

Panofsky’s framework encourages us to consider not only the visible aspects of these images but also the underlying narratives and symbols that inform them. The interplay between solitude and community, silence and prayer, manifests in Hafez’s work as a reflection on the inner journey of faith. The photographs serve as a bridge, connecting contemporary viewers to the ancient practices, contemplative rhythms of Coptic monasteries, and to question how media and popular representations shape our perception
and understanding of faith and community.

About the Artist

Romany Hafez is a visual artist; he lives and works in Cairo, Egypt. Hafez studied creativity, innovation and design at the Cairo School of Applied Arts, Helwan University in the nineties, alongside the sciences of Coptic language and heritage.

During his expeditious journey, which spans slightly over 15 years, Hafez has been exploring the origins and foundations of a practice that has gradually faded across two millennia. Hafez has developed a new typeface that resonates with the local ancestry of ancient Coptic art and language.

His work includes a deep and engaged photograpic and textual documentation. In addition to teaching the results of his research, Hafez also teaches the Coptic language to younger generations of artists, scholars and researchers. Hafez is a regular lecturer of Coptic Heritage, Art and Language and is interested in disseminating his knowledge of this heritage through photography, writing and lecturing throughout the globe