In my memory, the name of the visual artist and writer Mohsen Elbelasy—both as a creator and a critic—is closely tied to the surrealist adventure, within the borders of his homeland, Egypt, and beyond. I follow his work with admiration and passion, even when geographical distances separate us, because I cherish dreamers of a better tomorrow—those who are pained by reality yet remain deeply engaged in it.
This morning, I was delighted to read a new update on his page, where he wrote, after greeting his followers:
“This week, Sulfur Editions will enter a new phase in our journey by announcing a selection of new book titles from Egypt and beyond. Thirty books will be released between April and November in English. This announcement will also include the global literary distribution services we have partnered with, as well as the new outlets where our publications will be available in 120 countries worldwide. This will be accompanied by updates to the Sulfur online bookstore.”
https://sulfur-surrealist-jungle.com/sulfur-editions/
He also revealed preparations for launching SULFUR SERVICES (a tentative name), a literary and artistic service network that will provide translation, editing, literary production, artistic design, and promotional materials through a network of professionals from various parts of the world.
Moreover, there are plans for a podcast in Egyptian colloquial Arabic, offering a spontaneous and somewhat satirical take on the literary and creative industries scene in Egypt and beyond. The podcast will include critical discussions and open dialogues on the development of the literary and cultural industry in Egypt and the Mediterranean region.
Additionally, Sulfur Music Production is currently working on several audio and musical projects. Meanwhile, construction efforts continue for the launch of the Surrealist Art Platform, envisioned as both an artistic laboratory and a hub for a wide network of visual artists. It will also feature an art store, an art criticism blog, and a surrealist archive covering the past twenty years.
Exploring Elblasy’s Surrealist Jungle
I delved into Sulfur Surrealist Jungle, Elblasy’s website, which serves as a dynamic digital platform dedicated to exploring and promoting surrealism across various artistic disciplines. It represents the digital face of Sulfur Editions, offering a rich experience filled with avant-garde and unconventional artistic content.
The site is structured into several key sections:
- The Jungle: A blog featuring diverse articles, critical reviews, and creative works. Recent posts explore literary analysis, surrealist art, and discussions on modern storytelling techniques.
- Sulfur Editions / Bookstore: Visitors can browse and purchase titles from Sulfur Editions, showcasing works that push the boundaries of conventional literature and art.
- Submission Guidelines: The site actively encourages participation from artists and writers worldwide, providing clear submission guidelines for surrealist poetry, prose, essays, and visual art.
- The Room Surrealist Magazine: This publication highlights periodic releases from the collective, featuring curated selections of surrealist works from contributors around the world.
Design and Aesthetic
The website boasts a minimalist design that prioritizes content, making navigation effortless through a well-organized menu. The neutral color palette allows the displayed artwork and literary pieces to stand out without visual clutter—a reflection of Elblasy’s aversion to visual noise that blinds the audience from true artistic engagement.
Community and Collaboration
One of Sulfur Surrealist Jungle’s most remarkable features is its emphasis on building a creative community that fosters collaboration. It serves as a hub where artists, writers, and intellectuals interested in surrealism can exchange ideas and launch joint projects.
Ultimately, Sulfur Surrealist Jungle is more than just a website—it is a thriving ecosystem that celebrates the surrealist movement in contemporary art and literature. Whether you are an artist seeking a platform, a reader passionate about experimental storytelling, or a researcher exploring modern surrealism, this site offers a wealth of inspiration and resources.
The Symbolism of Sulfur
The word “Sulfur” refers to the chemical element (S), known for its bright yellow color and sharp smell when burned. It is used in various industries, including medicine, fertilizers, gunpowder, and rubber.
In the context of “Sulfur Surrealist Jungle”, the choice of the word “Sulfur” may hold symbolic significance, as sulfur is often associated with transformation, fire, and mythical or surreal visions—which aligns with the experimental and unconventional artistic nature of the platform.
A Life of Creative Momentum
Elbleasy’s life is filled with artistic dynamism, as exemplified in moments like the International Exhibition of Surrealism in Cairo and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, where he contributed to a groundbreaking surrealist event in Cairo. His journey continues to be an inspiring testament to artistic rebellion, boundary-pushing creativity, and unwavering commitment to the surrealist movement.
