Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Contemporary Inscriptions exhibition combines modern and traditional art

Reham El-Adawi , Sunday 21 May 2023

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina hosted an art exhibition titled "Contemporary Inscriptions," which came to a close on May 21st. The exhibition featured 24 high-end works of art that combined fine art with the aesthetics of crafts. It showcased calligraphic paintings, ceramic works, and marble formations that highlighted artistic visions varying between modernity and originality, between contemporary and heritage preservation, and development.

BA media office
BA director Ahmed Zayed, Maryam El-Mazrouei, Saleh El-Saadi, and others at the opening of the exhibition (photo credit of BA media office)

 

The exhibition shed light on the pioneering and distinguished artistic experience of a group of contemporary Arab and foreign artists, including Sheikha Al-Yazia Bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, Antonella Leoni, Heba Helmy, and Ismail Abdo.

The exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by Maryam El-Mazrouei, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Saleh El-Saadi, Deputy Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Abdel-Wahed El-Nabawi, Emirates former Minister of Culture, Mohamed El-Kahlawi, President of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists, and a host of cultural, artistic, and diplomatic figures, as well as members of the House of Representatives.

Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Ahmed Zayed, emphasized the importance of arts and creativity in shaping the awareness and culture of peoples. He stated that the exhibition was the result of fruitful cooperation between the library and the Anassi Media Foundation and called on all Arab intellectuals andcultural institutions to collaborate with the library and follow its activities. Zayed added that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a cultural edifice and a forum that addresses the whole world, and its commitment to promoting arts and creativity is evident through such cultural and artistic events.

Regarding the exhibition's idea, Zayed appreciated the concept of taking care of the past and linking it to the present to constitute identity and culture. He stated, "The importance of the exhibition is that it represents the fruitful cooperation between the library and the Anassi Media Foundation, and it sheds light on the pioneering and distinguished artistic experience of a group of contemporary Arab and foreign artists."

Counselor Saleh Al-Saadi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Egypt, expressed the UAE's participation in the event reflects the state's interest in promoting the Arab cultural product. He added, "It also reflects the nature of relations and cooperation between the UAE and Egypt, which are characterized as special relations in various political, economic, social, cultural, and artistic fields."

The "Contemporary Inscriptions" exhibition showcased the work of four visual artists from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Italy, with their pieces varying from calligraphic paintings, ceramic works, and marble formations. The exhibition not only displayed the beauty of modern and innovative art, but it also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and tradition while incorporating modern artistic visions.

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