Four artists. Four journeys into the desert. Words from those who spent time at Irane Gagben during our first season — what they came for, what they found, and what they carried home.
Vivek Vadoliya
Vivek spent time in Siwa exploring an ongoing theme in his photographic practice — connecting with locals, spending time with friends and families within the community.
"I found the experience to be both magical and inspiring. Irane Gagben is a beautiful space for introspection and creativity — a home set up to allow space for personal reflection alongside beautiful communal moments that constantly encouraged and nourished us.
What stayed with me most deeply was spending time and being consistent with my practice. I loved going outside and seeing what happened — letting life direct me and take me places through interactions on the street, the shifting weather, the landscapes, and the people around me. Mohamed and Maxine both taught us this way of being, and it's something I carry with me.
It was so beautiful to connect with the surrounding landscapes — the desert, the salt lakes, and the historical spaces. A precious time to regenerate, to feel into ideas that have been bubbling within me for a long time, and to explore them in Siwa."
Ãssia Ghendir
Ãssia's work moves between voice, movement, and geological soundscapes. They spent time at Irane Gagben connecting with Siwa through attentive listening to the land and its minerals.
"Irane Gagben offered me a rare experience of slowness, where time, land, and presence aligned, allowing my research to unfold in an unforced way. What stayed with me most was the kindness of the hosts, the connection I formed with them, and the generosity of the land itself.
This time helped me reflect on what had emerged during my previous residency in Morocco and opened me toward a deeper sensory awareness of the Siwi land — allowing a new way of listening to develop for my fieldwork research around minerals and voice."
Olena Slyesarenko
Olena immersed herself in the local landscapes and connected with the community through her ceramic practice at the Siwa Pottery School, accompanied by Hussein Sedawy.
"It was a transformative, peaceful and grounding experience. Irane Gagben invites stillness and rest but also play — reconnecting with one's creative energy. It was such an adventure, both inwards and outwards, in the beautiful haven created by Maxine and Mohamed. I am forever grateful for their nurture, love and care; connecting me to local resources and facilitating a creative outlet for me in this little oasis.
What stayed with me most deeply was the majesty of the desert, getting to know local people and connecting with them through shared passion like ceramics — having space to do everything and nothing. Slow days to inspire, with tools and outlets for creativity to emerge naturally.
I'll cherish the memories of a different pace of life and simpler pleasures, reminding me where true happiness lies, and how readily available it is in the smallest of things and everyday human connection."
Christina
Christina came to Irane Gagben seeking a period of deep rest — a devoted space to return to herself, away from the demands of daily life.
"Irane Gagben was deeply peaceful and inspiring — nourishing and guiding on so many levels. Maxine and Mohamed are the most welcoming and generous hosts, and I felt truly held in this space.
I experienced a sense of having time to breathe and reflect, a lightness and purity that I carried back home with me — something I can now tap into whenever I feel called. The environment, the beauty, the light, the sounds, the people, and the slow yet intentional pace made the experience profoundly meaningful."