Taking us on a seedy journey through the sketchy and underground world of Cairo's decaying 'baladi' bars, photographer Muir Vidler's cabaret photo series is candid and fascinating.
'Baladi' bars in Cairo, Egypt, are like the dive bars found in North America. Once glamorous and chic, these Cairene 'baladi' bars or cabarets were renowned for their stunningly beautiful belly dancers, opulent decor, bustling international client list and dizzying array of delicious food and beverages. But as the cabaret photo series portrays, this is no longer the case. The now run-down bars have slowly crumbled and de-gentrified.
"They're disreputable places to go, and they have a furtive air about them -- which you'll really notice when you pull out a camera and try to take some pictures," says Vidler.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Decaying 'baladi' Bars
- Opportunity for revitalization and renovation of these once glamorous establishments.
- Candid Photography
- Potential for capturing the authenticity and grit of different cultural scenes through candid photography.
- De-gentrification
- Potential for examining the impacts of gentrification and urban decay on local businesses and communities.
Sectors Adopting This
- Hospitality
- Opportunity to transform and revitalize bars, hotels, and restaurants with a nostalgic or retro aesthetic.
- Photography
- Opportunity to explore and document unique cultural expressions and capture the essence of a bygone era.
- Urban Development
- Opportunity to address urban decay and prioritize community development in neglected areas.
