Exhibitions by two renowned artists will open in parallel at Picasso Gallery on 16 March, one by Helmy El-Toni and another by Gamal Meleka.

In Hall 1, El-Toni’s exhibition ‘Leh Ya Banafseg’ will revisit his signature folkloric style in a series of paintings inspired by the eponymous song written by Beiram El-Tonsi.

A prolific painter and graphic designer, El-Touni celebrates Egyptian heritage and identity with music, frequently infusing his paintings with lyrics from a variety of traditional Egyptian songs.

He is best known for his career illustrating countless story books, including "The Most Beautiful Folk Tales" (2001) and "The Oppressed Princess" (1982).

El-Touni was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 2004. In 2011, the African Writers' Association nominated him for the Swedish Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for his entire body of work.

Meleka’s exhibition, titled The Legend, in Hall 2 deals with memories and the personal stories the artist lives with, intertwined with the history of Egypt, which together take on the form of legends.

The exhibition features over 30 recent works by Meleka.

He is the recipient of several international awards, including seven medals from the president of the Italian Republic and three medals from his holiness Pope Paul II, as well as several national art awards in Italy.

Both artists have distinctly different styles, and yet the exhibitions share an aspect of storytelling, and a link to heritage.

Programme:
Both exhibitions open on 16 March and run till 24 March.
From 10.30am to 9pm, except Sundays.
Picasso Gallery,30 Hassan Assem Street, off Brazil Street, Zamalek, Cairo

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