Bibliotheca Alexandrina's 2nd video forum begins

CAIRO – 25 August 2017: Bibliotheca Alexandrina will be holding its 2nd video forum this year, running from August 23 until September 23. The theme of this year's exhibit was chosen by Marc Mercier, the Creative Director and Commissioner of the Forum and is titled ' Video Art is Hypatia + Electricity', named in honor of Hypatia of Alexandria.

Hypatia was a female mathematician and philosopher who lived in ancient Alexandria circa 370 CE to 415 CE. She would have been considered what we know call a 'scientist,' as she was well tutored in astronomy and math. Hypatia was raised by her father to be a free-thinker and equal to the men around her, rather than following the typical role of women in that time. She worked as an academic in the University of Alexandria.

Unfortunately her life came to a tragic end in 415 CE when a mob of Christians attacked her chariot as she was coming home and murdered her. They had wished to destroy all 'pagan' beliefs in order to ensure Christianity's spread.

This year's exhibit will feature 10 artists, both Egyptian and international with works based on the theme.