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SVA Destinations, an ongoing series of short-term, domestic, and international travel-based programs offered by the School of Visual Arts, are designed to rejuvenate the creativity and broaden the horizons of students, working artists and other professionals. These courses provide participants with immersive study and firsthand experience of inspiring locations and events worldwide. 

Led by SVA faculty member Farrin Chwalkowski and BFA Comics academic advisor Nada Mohammed (MFA 2020 Visual Narrative; BFA 2014 Animation), the recently concluded SVA Destinations: The Art of Ancient Egypt program provided foundational knowledge and on-site study of the art and architecture of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. Participants learned how Coptic and Islamic cultures mingled with the native ancient art of Egypt. Visiting the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and several other sites in Cairo, students also traveled to Aswan to explore the Nubian culture and the great temple of King Ramses II (Abu Simbel). Additionally, a four-day Nile River tour covered such sites as the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Temple of Hatshepsut.

Mohammed, who has co-led the program since its inception, spoke recently about this year’s experience.

Was there any particular highlight of the trip?

Every moment of this trip is memorable, and what truly makes it so are the people we share it with. Our program participants bring their curiosity and wonder, and that breathes life into the tombs, museums and temples we visit. Our tour guides bring a wealth of information, knowledge and good humor and keep us optimistic and interested, despite the sweltering summer heat. Course instructor Farrin Chwalkowski brings her passion for Egyptology and makes the topic approachable. When all these minds meet, we all gain a deep understanding of one of the world’s oldest and most illustrious ancient civilizations.   

What do you think is most inspiring to students?

The mythology of ancient Egypt plays a huge part in the unfolding narrative of our program, especially as we visit many temples dedicated to ancient Egyptian deities. The hieroglyphics carved into the walls, marked with remnants of color that suggest their former splendor, are undoubtedly a vast source of artistic inspiration. Farrin gives a special lecture on reading hieroglyphs so students can recognize and even interpret some of the writing on the walls of tombs and temples, making our visits more meaningful and memorable. 

The other mainstay of our program is a cruise up the Nile, which provides some much-needed relaxation in the middle of a jam-packed program. The Nile River is the foundation of civilization in Egypt, without which a society could not have taken root in the harsh desert. By taking the time to sail upstream, we're following the ancient routes used to transport building materials and regarding the natural beauty of Aswan, Luxor and all the cities in between.

As instructors, you’ve done this trip several times now. Are there wonders that just never get old?

Yes! I am especially fond of the Royal Mummies Gallery at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which displays over 20 royal mummies in a stunning maze of glass coffins. Knowing that Pharaohs mummified themselves to prepare for an eternal afterlife, it’s ironic and incredible to visit their remains thousands of years later, still glorified as ancient rulers. It isn’t the afterlife they had intended for themselves, but in a way, they found the immortality they wanted. 

For more on the SVA Destinations: The Art of Ancient Egypt trip, visit this travel blog by student Tim Powers to see his photos and read his recollections of the inspiring excursion.