Irane Gagben is an offering by multidisciplinary artist and curator Maxine Pennington and Mohamed Elabd, a Siwa native and local guide.
Mohamed carries Siwa within him—its land, traditions, and rhythms are an intrinsic part of who he is. With deep reverence and intimate knowledge of its hidden landscapes, history, and spirit, he moves through it as both guardian and guide.
Maxine, drawn to Siwa’s abundant nature and profound energy, experienced a meaningful creative and spiritual transformation here. In this land, she finds a wellspring of strength and inspiration, a space where stillness, creativity, and devotion naturally unfold.
Together, they offer Irane Gagben as an invitation: a sanctuary for creatives to deepen their presence, engage with the land, and create from a place of true connection.
We honour Siwa as the ancestral land of the Siwan people. With deep respect for its culture, traditions, and land, we work in close collaboration with the local community to ensure the residency contributes meaningfully to both people and the environment.
The Irane Gagben Imaginarium supports creative access for local children in Siwa through hands-on workshops, materials, and a dedicated space for exploration. We believe imagination is a vital resource—one that nurtures freedom, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to creativity and community.