The Egyptian-Armenian photographer and painter Vahé Varjabedian gave an exhibition of paintings inspired by a recent Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan and a 2019 visit to Armenia. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Armenia last month, “Colours from Egypt and Armenia” animated at the Armenian school in Heliopolis.

Using a bright palette and brilliant colour combinations in his trademark fauvist style, Varjabedian manages to create a dazzling sense of movement that arrests and holds the attention. The 38 acrylic on canvas paintings on display bear testimony to his love of palm trees and feluccas as much as Armenian church architecture. A true romantic, he is a kind of realistic dreamer.