CONCEPTUAL FOLKLORIC METAPHORS OF EGYPTIAN PROVERBS IN ILLUSTRATION THROUGH (AN ARTIST BOOK)

Document Type : Specialized scientific research papers

Author

Graphic Department, Faculty of fine arts, Helwan university, Cairo, Egypt

10.47436/jaars.2025.371766.1249

Abstract

The oral heritage of Egyptian folklore represents a rich cultural treasure trove, encompassing folk tales, songs, biographies, and legends passed down through generations. This heritage constitutes an important resource for artists and graphic designers, as it is employed to highlight cultural identity and visually convey wisdom and popular heritage. Popular proverbs constitute an essential part of any culture, especially oral heritage, as they embody wisdom, humor, and shared values. In Egypt, popular proverbs constitute a rich part of the cultural landscape, often deeply intertwined with the country's history, social norms, and worldview. These popular proverbs are not merely expressions; they are replete with metaphors, figures, and symbols drawn from daily life, nature, and folklore. This research examines the conceptual metaphor embedded in Egyptian proverbs and explores their visual representation through an artistic experiment with contemporary illustrations (an artist's book) of these popular proverbs to enhance understanding of these metaphorical expressions and examine how to effectively illustrate them to enhance their meaning and appeal. This is done through analyzing selected popular proverbs and their metaphorical structure. It also discusses the role of visual narrative in preserving and revitalizing popular expressions for contemporary audiences.

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