Earlier this month, painter and graphic artist Eman Osama joined 30 other contemporary Egyptian artists in the "Women Speak" group exhibition to celebrate March as the month of women.
"Like previous editions of this exhibition, it offers women painters a platform to share their reflections on womanhood in all its shades, moving away from traditional representations—even when addressing classic themes like motherhood," said Osama.
Reflecting on the portrayal of women in Egyptian painting over the past century, Osama noted a significant shift. "The change is profound and truly telling," she said. "In the works displayed at the exhibition, we can clearly see a liberation from stereotypes about women's roles and symbolism." She added, "For quite some time now, especially since the January Revolution, contemporary artists have significantly altered their depiction of women."
By Effat Nagy
Osama, a professor at the School of Fine Arts, pointed out that feminist and progressive influences have shaped the representation of women for much of the last 100 years, particularly in the work of female painters. She cited artists such as Effat Nagy, born in the early 20th century, and Tahia Halim, born in 1919, along with Inji Aflatoun and Gazbia Sirry, both born in the mid-1920s. "Throughout their careers, their work reflected a progressive vision of women's identity and role in society," she noted.
"Even when they depicted motherhood, there was always a feminist streak," Osama explained. However, she pointed out that these pioneering women artists mostly came from aristocratic backgrounds. "They belonged to a social class that granted them access to the art world—an uncommon privilege in the early 20th century—and allowed them to express themselves both as painters and activists," she said.
Beyond these exceptional cases, Osama noted, "the representation of women in paintings rarely strayed from the core theme of motherhood and its associated symbolism, such as the woman as the homeland." She added that until 1952, women were predominantly linked to fertility and physical beauty. "The 1952 regime, with its socialist and progressive ideals, created space for women to take on larger roles in society," she argued. "This shift was reflected across all artistic media. In paintings, for example, women were increasingly depicted as active workers rather than passive models."
Still, Osama noted that these changes did not entirely free women from symbolic representation. "They were still portrayed within specific contexts, often as part of a nation striving for progress," she said.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift toward more conservative ideas, particularly concerning gender roles and the purpose of art. "This period imposed many restrictions on how women were represented, even within traditional frameworks like motherhood or the homeland symbol," Osama explained. "Although some artists resisted these norms, overall, it was an era of male dominance in art in a way that had not existed even in the early 20th century," she added.
By Eman Osama
According to Osama, the early 2000s marked the beginning of a gradual transformation influenced by shifting social perceptions of women's roles. Economic changes, which necessitated more women becoming breadwinners, played a significant part. "Many factors contributed to this shift," she said. "More women pursued academic studies in art, expanding their influence within the art movement."
Over the past 25 years, Osama observed an increasing departure from traditional representations of women in art, particularly in painting. "Even in depictions of motherhood, the perspective has evolved," she said. "Motherhood is now portrayed as a multifaceted experience, encompassing emotions that are not always idealistic or sentimental."
By Eman Osama
Osama herself explores the power and pain of womanhood in her work. "Every woman, at every stage of life, carries both immense strength and deep pain," she said. "She navigates her own expectations alongside those imposed by society. She lives with dreams and conflicts."
In the "Women Speak" exhibition, Osama presents paintings that delve into women's inner worlds. "My work seeks to explore the souls of women and accompany them on their complex journeys of self-discovery," she explained. "Women carry dreams that can be unsettling. They bear the scars of childbirth and personal struggles. They seek healing for themselves and for others. This is how I see women, and this is how I portray them."
By Gazbia Serry
By Inji Aflatoun
By Tahia Halim
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