“Aaru and Stone”, a collection of paintings by Zeinab Nour, is currently on display at Cordoba gallery.
Aaru is the paradise or the fields of reeds in the ancient Egyptian mythology. “As ancient Egyptian civilization was built on the doctrine of resurrection and eternity,” the artist says, “and because ancient Egyptian art can’t really be enjoyed without delving into its philosophy, ancient Egyptian thought remains one of the most important resources to which I always return, with all its philosophical dimensions, dazzling arts and deep symbols. It has a special charm and a glowing passion that never wanes, even when I am attracted to different concepts and issues in other areas that seem more contemporary.”
“Aaru and Stone” is an attempt to reflect the visual contrast between the spiritual construction and the ancient stone wall, on which ancient Egyptian symbols and ideas were carved to represent the way to life eternal. This is depicted through the contemporary visual perspective provided by the 360˚ panorama in photography. Although each selected shot represents a standalone piece produced in an acrylic technique on prepared solid surfaces, it is also possible for the viewer to connect these works visually, successively or synchronously to perceive a whole.
The exhibition continues until 12 November.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 31 October, 2019 edition ofAl-Ahram Weekly.
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