Butterfies Installation

From Here to There

Butterflies sometimes migrate to new places to ensure their survival. These movements involve large numbers. In some cases, they migrate in one direction and may not return and the next generation may instead migrate in the opposite direction. This is a significant difference from bird migration. It is a about movement, direction, endings and beginnings. In ancient Egypt, the winged form of a butterfly was a symbol for the human soul, they allow the soul to transform to the “light path”. 

Anima mea

Inspired by the site of Manial Palace and the styles incorporated into its décor by Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik, Nihal Wahby has chosen to engage directly with the history and aesthetic elements of the palace which are derived from Persian, Ottoman, Neo-Mamluk, rococo and Moorish design history. 

This installation pays homage to Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik’s collection of preserved butterflies which is on display in the palace by considering the concept of change, growth, and transformation in Greek mythology through the symbol of the butterfly. The butterfly also represents the souls of those that have passed away.