Nostalgia in the air: El-Gouna Film Festival hosts When Art Meets Cinema exhibition

Soha Hesham , Wednesday 20 Dec 2023

El-Gouna Film Festival (GFF) hosts from 14 to 21 December When Art Meets Cinema, an exhibition organized by Art d'Egypte.

GFF

 

The exhibition presents works that pay tribute to decades of Egyptian cinema and underscore a strong connection between the seventh art and the sphere of visual art.

Curated by Nadine A. Ghaffar and Artistic Director Karim El-Hayawan, the exhibition features works by artists Louis Barthélemy, Chant Avedissian, Karim El-Hayawan and other artworks borrowed from Behna Institute.

Upon entering the exhibition, you are faced with a white wall inked with a few sentences defining the concept behind the exhibition. One remarkable sentence states, "The fusion of art and cinema creates a captivating platform that enhances storytelling and offers a visual feast for the audience."

The exhibition hall is designed to resemble a maze. On the left-hand side are four captivating portraits of Umm Kulthoum, Laila Mourad, Tahiya Karioka and Ahmed Ramzy by the late Egyptian-Armenian artist Chant Avedissian.

This portrait collection was initially owned by Abou Sid restaurant; it contains 31 pieces representing Egyptian figures from art, music and even politics. Only four pieces, however, were included in the GFF exhibition.

One of the leading artists of his generation, Chant Avedissian (1951-2018), held several solo exhibitions where his works were recognised and sold locally and internationally. Avedissian's characteristic infusion in his works of Egyptian history and culture can be seen clearly in his canvases of legendary singers.

Next to Avedissian’s portrait collection are some old television models constituting antiques from different eras.

Another piece of art near the entrance is titled ‘Chahine, Toujours et encore!,’ featuring screens of linen by Louis Barthélemy embroidered by hand using silver threads. This art installation celebrates Youssef Chahine's work, paying tribute to his legacy and offering insight to visitors into his artistic vision.

Furthermore, the exhibition features the screening of a short video about Chahine’s artistic journey.

Based between Marrakech, Cairo and Paris, Barthélemy is mainly interested in preserving traditional crafts.

To the right side of the entrance are some film posters – mainly old Egyptian films – on both sides of the wall. 

 

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