Does Anybody Leave Heaven? is an assemblage tapestry made with textile items found in Egyptian street markets, clothing, bags and other items, which are printed with the flag of the United States of America.

Ibrahim Ahmed lives in a popular working class area of Cairo, where most of his social network is composed of young males who have not been able to travel outside Egypt. When explaining in conversation that he left the US to relocate to Cairo in 2014, he is consistently asked the question, “Does Anybody Leave Heaven?” In the world of his peers, Cairo is a place to escape and the USA is a place to dream about arriving at its shores.

Installed at Primary with photographs, audio and a new video work by Karim El Hayawan, the work is a commentary on the constructed mythology and fetishism surrounding the US as a place of desire and opportunity, particularly by underprivileged young males who have normalised wearing the American flag in the streets of Cairo.

Commissioned by New Art Exchange and supported by Primary, as part of the international partnership programme, Here, There & Everywhere.