Egyptian visual artist Aya El Fallah (B. 1986) was our artist-in-residence for four weeks, April/May 2026.

During her stay, she developed her artistic practice in dialogue with Botkyrka konsthall and Extension Art Space, took part in local art contexts, and shared her work through conversations, encounters, and the event Recipes of Meeting in Fittjaköket.

How would you describe your artistic practice and the main themes that guide your work? 

As an artist, my work moves between emotion, memory, and human connection. It is also connected to self-discovery and the emotional and mental journey of understanding myself before understanding the world around me. I am interested in creating spaces where people can feel something personal and intimate through the work.

Can you tell us about the project you presented at Extension Art Space and what inspired it?  

–In my exhibition at Extension Art Space, I presented a project specially created for this occasion, inspired by everyday life in Cairo and expressed through the language and rhythm of a song. Through the work, I wanted to share fragments of daily moments, emotions, movement, and atmosphere from the city — the noise, the intimacy, the contradictions, and the emotional energy that exist within Cairo life. Music and memory played an important role in the way the exhibition was built, almost like visual storytelling through feelings and sound. The exhibition gave me the opportunity to share my work in a very open and welcoming environment. I was especially happy with the feedback and with the way people connected with the work, spoke with me about my country, and interacted emotionally with the pieces. It was meaningful for me to see how people from different cultures could still connect with the emotions and stories inside the work. 

How was your experience participating in Supermarket, and what opportunities did it offer you as an artist?  

–Supermarket was also a great opportunity to meet artists and art spaces from different backgrounds. The atmosphere among the people was amazing, very open to collaboration, exchange, and conversation. I also exhibited another project about family, so it was a very good chance to show different sides of my artistic practice. 

How did you experience the Swedish art scene during your stay?  

–During these weeks, I experienced the Swedish art scene as supportive, thoughtful, and strongly community-oriented. I appreciated the balance between professionalism and genuine human connection within the art spaces and conversations. ”The Koushry” event in Botkyrka konsthalls kitchen was also a very beautiful experience and a lovely way to interact with people here. Food is always a special way to communicate and discover culture through sharing moments together.
 

Looking back on your stay, how would you describe your time here? 

–My stay here felt short in time, but at the same time very full of activities, meetings, exhibitions, and events. I truly hope that next time I will have more time to explore Botkyrka itself and get to know the place more deeply. I also cannot forget to mention how much I enjoyed the nature here and the kindness of the people.