Art for Mother Egypt

Sara Elkamel, Saturday 19 Mar 2011

The Zamalek Art Gallery exhibits a rare selection of masterpieces by Egypt’s most prominent contemporary artists

Mostafa Razazz

The collective exhibition, dubbed ‘Mother Egypt’ aims to support the country’s economy, through dedicating all its proceeds to the recuperating nation.

A group of the country’s most talented visual artists have conspired to celebrate the success of the youthful revolution and play a role in the revival of 'Mother Egypt'.

Artwork by Salah Taher, Zeinab El Sageny, Mohamed Abla, hangs on the gallery’s pearl-white walls, as a testament to the latent talent and sheer promise of the country’s cultural scene.

The collection is truly entertaining and refreshingly diverse; unlike a solo exhibit, the canvases standing side by side each flaunting a different persona. Every piece features a different palette, texture, or media, and each transports you to a different world.

Eman Salama’s woodcut showcases a nude woman, her back to onlookers, reclining in a field of wild flowers. Enchanting and subtle, the piece calms the spirit.

Two haunting figures embrace, their chalky, skeletal faces emerging from a sea of black and blood-red stains; this painting by Ahmed Nosseir sends chills down your spine.

Another piece by Ayman Taher draws you in, teasing you with a unique fluidity. Like silk, a group of figures sway and twirl, their contours barely discernable yet their movement unavoidable.

‘Mother Egypt’ holds pieces by undeniably talented artists with distinctive, yet very manifest styles. Making your way through a visual timeline of the country’s contemporary art arena, you spot styles that help characterise modern Egyptian culture.

Zeinab El Sageny paints women with large, staring eyes, their souls radiating off the canvas. Salah Taher’s smooth lines and abstract forms enchant you. Rabab Nemr’s ink piece invites you to step closer, and inspect every inch of colour. Mostafa El Razaz exhibits a piece featuring his favourite subject matter; a fisherman staring at a large vibrant fish. Mohamed Abla’s canvas is crowded with the people of Cairo, the source of his inspiration.

'Mother Egypt' may be an initiative to revive the Egyptian economy, but it also serves to restore the belief in the nation’s palpable flair for the arts.

Facilitated by the Egyptian Central Bank, proceeds from this enriching exhibition will be dedicated entirely to assisting the Egyptian economy. The Central Bank has designated a special account for similar initiatives and donations, called “Support for the Egyptian Economy” (Account number: 9/450/85175/8)

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