Wael Shawky (*1971) completed his BFA at the University of Alexandria, followed by an MFA at the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. He has received several awards for his work including the International Commissioning Grant of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, New York (2005); the International Award of the Islamic World Arts Initiative, Arts International, New York (2004); as well as the Grand Nile Prize at the 6th International Cairo Biennale (1996).