2008-05-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

This site showcases some of the work from Susie Hagon and my exhibition "PORTRAITS".

This particular series is named "In the House of the Muses" and focused on individuals working at, and associated with the Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or BA, which is a UNESCO initiated project) . Many of these individuals have achieved incredible things and contributed much to Alexandrian society as far as history research and archiving, the sharing of knowledge and culture.

The title is inspired by the moniker of the original Alexandria Library , which in ancient times was referred to as the house, or temple of the muses.

In April of 2007, Susie travelled to Egypt to photograph individuals working at the Library, and this visit enabled us to include a range of very different people from scientists and antiquities experts, to cleaners and guards. “In the House of the Muses” is a collection of 70 portraits reflecting images from from this trip.

THE BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural center located in Alexandria, Egypt. It is a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria that was built on the same site in ancient times and considered one of the 7 wonders of the world. The ancient Library of Alexandria was an ambitious attempt to collect universal knowledge and open up cultures to each other. It was one of the most exciting intellectual ventures in history, because this was the first time this idea had been attempted.
The modern building houses Museums, Galleries, Laboratories and research centres, a childrens education sector, and also a Planetarium. The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina , like the original Bibliotheca, aspires to promote culture and science, intellectural excellence, tolerance and understanding. It is a cultural place for meeting and dialogue, where people of all nations can be brought together. "We feel it is important to partake in cultural exchange programs within the Middle East and globally to promote a better awareness and understanding” say Susie and Darian.

The exhibition launched in Sydney at the Egyptian Consulate in May and has since shown in Canberra in June, and opened at the Library of Alexandria, Egypt in October. There are further plans for it to travel to international consulates and state libraries within Australia. The work has been published in a catalogue by the BA to commemmorate the body of work, and was the subject of a documentarty on ABC Radio National, as a feature for the Artworks program.

Prints are available as well as postcards for 13.00 for a pack of 10, inclusive of post within Australia. etc.

Click on the images for ENLARGED view. Enjoy!

Azza Madian, Deputy director of the Arts centre at the B.A.

Mona El Nashar, deputy director of the public relations department at the B.A.

Sandy Gore, Actress, Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria Library

Sandy Gore is a well-known Australian actress who is a familiar face to many Australians as she has appeared in TV series such as Brides of Christ, The Flying Doctors, and A Country Practice to name a few, as well as in motion pictures such as Evil Angels and Lorenzo's Oil. She also voiced one of the characters in The Magic Pudding movie, and her latest appearance will be in Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrmann's upcoming epic feature film Australia. She is also a member of the Committee of Australian Friends of the Alexandria Library. In this portrait we interpret her role as an actress getting into character, choosing her face of the moment, so to speak.

Azza El Khooly , special advisor to Ismail Serageldin, director general of the B.A.

Leila Fiedler, businesswoman and ex Committee of the Australian Friends of the AlexandriaB Library

Yehia Mansour, Head of Finance and Administration Sector at the B.A.

Moshen Aldahshan, Internal security at the B.A.

Fadoua Amer

Fadoua is a specialist at The Institute of Peace Studies. The Womens’ International Peace Movement was founded by Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak to promote the empowerment of women generally, the promotion of peace specifically, and activate participation of women in the peace-making processes. The organisation is formally affiliated with, and hosted at, the B.A. It has established itself as an effective force within a short time. Scouting for subjects for this documentary, Susie noticed that Fadoua’s captivating, immaculate eyes made her a perfect candidate for a close-up study of the “window to the soul”, as this facial feature is often referred to.

Sherif Amar head of internal security at the B.A., With Sohair Wastawy and Lorenzo Montesini

This was photographed on a catwalk at the top of the B.A., that is not allowed public access, not even official visitors including photographers, under usual circumstances.

Professor Yehia Halim Zaki, Head of the Academic Sector at the B.A.

Karim Patrick Salem, Senior Specialist at the Public Relations Department at the B.A.

Justin Siberell, American Cultural Center, Alexandria

Mandy Taha, senior specialist in Research unit , Library sector at the B.A.

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Mohamed Awad, architect and director of the Alex-Med Centre at the B.A.

Hala El Salmawy, specialist at the general counsel department of the B.A.

Hala had a large collection of Ladybug memorobilia and souvenirs in her office, which inspired this portrait by integrating snapshots of the various objects into it.

Shirley Johnston, Book Author

Shirley Johnston is well known as the writer and photographic director of lavishly illustrated books capturing great 19th and 20th century villas around the world, among them works on Palm Beach houses, the French Riviera, and Malta. She lives inbetween France and Egypt, and recently published her latest book on Egyptian Palaces and Villas, which she was in the country launching and promoting.

Bob Balker, Australian Ambassador to Egypt, Cairo

Bernard Salome, Advisor to Dr. Ismail Seragledin, Director General

Omneya Darwish, head of Unit , CSSP.
The Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP) is an independent scientific institution affiliated with the BA. The CSSP aims to play a significant role in the progress of science and technology in Egypt by promoting science, education and public awareness - by devising a highly proactive science communications program comprising high-caliber international conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops and exhibitions . The CSSP helps researchers and scientists to get the best support needed to advance their work - funding outstanding young postdoctoral scientists, and increasing the participation of the under-represented women in the field.

Sherine El Meslimany , the secretary of Dr. Sohair Wastawy, chief librarian of the B.A.

Robin Clifton

Robin Clifton has had a long and distinguished career as a location manager/supervisor in the film and television industry working on
national and international projects both in Australia and overseas. Currently she is Manager of the Production Liaison Unit within the New South Wales Film and Television Office. She is also Secretary and Treasurer of the Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria Library.

Hanan El Rakkad, head of the Dialogue Forum unit at the B.A.

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Effat Badr, Professor of Agriculture, and Secretary General of the Egyptian Friends of the B.A. Association.

Moheba Abdel Saalam,member of the Alexandria friends of the BA Committee

Ahmed Gamal, public relations specialist and singer.

Aly Maher, Ambassador and Director of the institute of Peace Studies at the B.A.

Mohsen El Shafei, Director of the finance department at the B.A.

Professor Dr. Mustafa El Abbadi, archaeologist, historian and Author. Professor Azza Karara, expert on Shakespeare

Dr. Mostafa El-Abbadi is a Professor Emeritus of Classical and Greco-Roman studies at the University of Alexandria, Egypt, Special Advisor to the Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Ismail Seregeldin, President of the Archaeological Society of Alexandria, and president of the Egyptian Association for Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.He is the author of several books and articles, including Life and Fate of the Ancient Library of Alexandria ( 1990), which was translated into several languages Dr. Mostafa El-Abbadi, is the archaeologist and a historian, and one of the leading experts on the ancient civilizations who left their traces on the Egyptian ground.Over the past 50 years, He and his wife, Professor Azza Karara, who is a specialist on the writings of Shakespeare, have acquired an impressive collection of historical books some of which you can see here along with photos of parents, relatives, and personal items. Cleopatra their beloved Siamese cat, has sadly passed away recently.

Son of the Superintendant of the Mustafa El Abbadi apartment building, Alexandria

Basem Awadalla, Library service sector of the B.A.

Superintendant of the Mustafa El Abbadi apartment building, Alexandria

School boys on excursion, outside the B.A.

Venus Aref
Venus Aref is a member of staff at the Library of Alexandria, working in the Finance and Administration department. The wall behind her is papered with a collection of classic vintage Egyptian movie posters, as she kicks up her heels for the camera in a likewise fun and dramatic fashion.

Manar Badr, Head of Unit in Library sector at the B.A.

Lorenzo Montesini , Author, Chairman of Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria Library

Lorenzo Montesini is an Author, researcher, historian and lecturer, who works tirelessly to promote cultural ties between Australia and Egypt
Also known as Prince Giustiniani, Count of the Phanaar, Knight of St Sophia, Baron Alexandroff and, more mundanely, as a one-time Qantas cabin crew member, Lorenzo heads the Australian Friends of the Alexandrian Library in Australia. An Alexandrian by birth, he spent his early childhood in there, and was educated at schools in Paris, the United Kingdom and Melbourne. He spent two years in the Australian army, and was twelve months on active service in Vietnam as an interpreter.
He has published Cardboard Cantata, and also his stylish autobiography My Life and Other Misdemeanours (1999), in which with flair he recalls his life and of course and the events surrounding a certain wedding in Venice.

Magda Hatata, financial control department at the B.A.

Unidentified Lady shopping on the street
This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Andreas Zaimis

The Zaimis family are the main family of the ancient province Achaia, in Greece, which held an important role participating in the liberation during the Greek War of Independence. Over a few generations many members of the family have been very active in politics as members of parliament, mayors, premiers and governors - as well as three presidents and Prime Ministers of Greece. Andreas Zaimis himself is a former Foreign Minister of Greece , and today is the president of the Greek friends of the Library of Alexandria.

Professor Peter McNeill, Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria

Sherif Riad, Director of the public relations department at the B.A.

Gamal Hosni

Gamal Hosni is head of exhibitions at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Arts Center, where the programs of exhibitions are organized. A talented artist in his own right, this portrait features one of his own sketches laid over the photograph as a decorative element. From a distinguished artistic lineage of Alexandria, His uncle is Mr. Farouk Hosny, the Egyptian Minister of Culture, a famous Egyptian abstract painter who was appointed to the position in 1987.

Alia El Eskalaney, Researcher
Alia is a member of the B.A. staff, working in The Alexandria & Mediterranean Research Center (Alex-Med), whose aims are reviving the
ancient library’s historic role of promoting culture and Alexandrism, by reviving the city’s spirit of diversity, tolerance and cooperation. The scope of the Center is to cover research and documentation of all areas related to Alexandria and the Mediterranean. This involves research, acquisition, archiving, publications, seminars and conferences, exhibitions, projects, exchange programs and development programs. It’s mission is therefore to document while encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding. The labels are from a large collection taken off Egyptian cotton bales by Darian’s grandmother Cherie, at the factory she worked at in the 1960’s.

Shady Arafa, assistant to Dr. Ismail Seragledin, director general of the B.A.

David Wansborough, Artist, Lecturer and Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria

Professor Raymond Stock , Translator and Author

Raymond Stock specialises in translating the work of Naguib Mahfour, and is also writing a biography on him. Naguib Mahfour is a Cairo-born Egyptian writer 1911-2006, who wrote nearly 40 novel length works and hundreds of short stories and screenplays. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1988.

Madame Lucette De Saab
Lucette De Saab is descended from a distinguished family that was part of old Alexandria, at that time one of the most important and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Sahar Hammouda, Literature professor at the B.A.

Professor Doctor Ismail Serageldin, Director general of the B.A.
Born in Guiza, Egypt in 1944, Ismail Serageldin is the Director general of the B.A. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Cairo University and Masters' degree and a PhD from Harvard University and has received 21 honorary doctorates. He is referred to as the "most intelligent man in Egypt". He has published over 50 books and monographs, and over 200 papers. He also chairs the Boards of Directors for each of the B.A.'s affiliated research institutes and museums and is a professor at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Amani Massoud , Assistant to Ismail Serageldin, Director general of the B.A.

Ibrahim Fouad, Internal security at the B.A.

Sherif Mohie Eldin, director of the Arts Center at the B.A.

Sarah Tonbol, Administrative secretary in the finance department at the B.A.

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Dr Yossef Ziedan, director of the manuscript center at the B.A.

Laila Abdel Hady, special advisor to Ismail Serageldin, Director general of the B.A.

Hanan Mounir Secretary of Ismail Serageldin, Director general of the B.A.

Rania El Bahtimi, Secretary of Ismail Serageldin, Director general of the B.A.

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Unidentified Girl selling roses on Shore of Alexandria

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Amr Mahrous, Service Assistant in the Library sector of the B.A.

Rania Nofal, administrative sectetary for the Institute of Peace Studies at the B.A.
This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Badreya Serry. Director of the Antiquities Museum at the B.A.
This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Susie Hagon, Photographer, Committee of the Australian Friends of the Alexandria Library
Susie is a photographer who has exhibited her work for 12 years in Australia, Canada and the U.S., in various group and solo shows.
Specialising in portraiture, Susie is renowned for her her natural ability to to put subjects at ease, therefore enabling her to capture
not only unique personalities, but also the ‘real’ person which makes her work honest and candid. As well as her fine art career, Susie has
utilized her creative skills to support herself by working as a commercial and event photographer internationally.

School girls on excursion, outside the B.A.

This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Unidentified student visitor at the B.A.
This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Mohomed Twafek, Egyptian Ambassador to Australia, Canberra

Sohallanazny, journalist , Al Ahram Weekly Newspaper.
This image has been embargoed from the exhibition due to restrictions imposed by the Sydney Egyptian Consulate.

Professor Doctor Mohsen Zahran, First Director of the B.A.

Dr Sohair Fahmy Wastawy, Chief librarian at the B.A.

Cute toddler visiting the B.A.
This young girl takes her first trip to the B.A. with her Parents. Apart from housing Museums, Galleries, Libraries, research centres, and a
planetarium within the structure, The Library of Alexandrina also contains a dedicated children’s educational facility, and is geared
towards fostering knowledge in the young for the future benefit of all.

IN THE HOUSE OF THE MUSES