ART D’EGYPTE BY CULTURVATOR___ FOREVER IS NOW III
Art of Egypte’s annual international exhibition by CulturVator, Forever Is Now was launched originally in 2021 and remains the first and only exhibition of contemporary art to take place at the 4500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pyramids of Giza and its surrounding. In its third year, the 2023 edition brings together 14 artists from the region and various countries worldwide and offers contemporary artworks that blend the present with ancient heritage whilst paying homage to the ingenuity and reflections of human civilization and art.
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Cairo-based French-Egyptian art consultant and curator, founder and curator of Art D’Egypte by Culturvator stated, “This year, the exhibition raises questions about the new era of technology and cultural change that the world is going through, by combining cultural heritage with the rich diversity of contemporary art practices. The exhibition also highlights the importance of cultural exchange among artists, demonstrating the position of human creativity at the heart of pulsating history and ancient Egyptian civilization, especially with the presentation of the largest collection of artworks by local and international artists, a step that will undoubtedly contribute to promoting Egyptian tourism.”
The contemporary artworks on show vary in material including fibreglass, steel, stone and marble and mediums like digital technology and artificial intelligence.
French artist Stephan Breuer presents Temple •|• in the exact axis of the pyramids. The triangular shape represents for him the utmost accomplishment in mastering technology at the time of Ancient Egypt and a testimony of human genius. Temple •|• prolongs the legacy of the pyramids with his inverted golden triangle that signifies a new era in human evolution. One that is linked to digital technology and artificial intelligence.
His piece is not just a physical monument celebrating a single king, as was the case in ancient times, but it wishes to celebrate every human that enters in contact with it. Temple •|• conveys both a strong material and spiritual message, with the aim of preserving the digital memories. It is a new visual expression of the Sublime.
Meditation on Light is a project by that Greek artist Dionysios.
“Seeing a part of myself in front of the Pyramids and allowing everyone to see themselves through my work is an emotional experience that leads to a transformation in life. The history meets the future, and I am already present during that moment. My goal is to create a space and conditions that enable people to communicate with universal values, and the Giza Plateau is one of the most energetic places I have ever visited.”
He added, “As a Greek artist, I feel a close connection to my heritage, which is directly intertwined with Egyptian heritage. I wanted to create a work that transcends time frames and cultures, honouring the history of the country that hosts me, through a visual language that represents a part of contemporary Egyptian and Greek culture. Having the opportunity to present an artistic work aimed at communicating with the gods here is an incredible privilege and a surreal experience for me as both an artist and a spectator at the same time.”
Saudi artist Rashed Al Shashai shares, “The art project I present, prepared specifically for the site, represents a dance between the past and the present, blurring the lines between traditional and modern, and renewing our perceptions of art, heritage, science, and sustainable practices. Titled The Transparent Pyramid and using the material of palm fronds, an ancient craft from Egypt, to pay tribute to the history of the pyramids, while providing a contemporary interpretation of their impact on our development processes in our region, and affirming the value of preserving traditional methods alongside innovation and creativity. The project aims to encourage the audience to think about the potential for sustainable practices in contemporary art and design, and it contemplates the human aspect of heritage and the dedication that has always carried it. It serves as a deliberate tribute to the eternal legacy of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of sustainable practices.”
Ra by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis is inspired by the sun, and this site holds special meaning for her, especially being the birthplace of the sundial. She creates an artwork that not only represents a sundial but also harnesses the power of the sun, transforming it into energy. This reflects her deep respect for ancient Egyptian culture and their reverence for the sun god Ra.
Argentinian artist Pilar Zeta presents Mirror Gate which she considers to be significant, serving as a multidimensional portal connecting past and present, blending natural and artificial materials from the post-industrial era. She invites viewers to reflect upon their infinite potential when they see their reflections inside the pyramids, drawing connections to the limitless possibilities found in Egyptian mythology.
Visual artist Azza Al Qubaisi‘s work Treasures represents a journey for her, capturing the secrets, shapes, and patterns of desert landscapes, along with cultural memories, stories, and ornaments from the past. Her artwork utilizes materials reflecting the surrounding nature with earthy colors inspired by the deep roots of their heritage. It allows viewers to immerse themselves in an experience walking between the art piece and the sand dunes as they approach the pyramid, watching their reflections as if it’s an inner journey through their personal lives. The hidden treasure in the earth symbolizes the concealed personal goals within us.
Participating artists___
Arne Quinze (Belgium)
Artur Lescher (Brazil)
Azza Al Quibaisi (UAE)
Carole Feuerman (USA)
Costas Varotsos (Greece)
Dionysios (Greece)
JR (France)
Mohamed Banawy (Egypt)
Pilar Zeta (Argentina)
Rashid Al Khalifa (Bahrain)
Rashed Al Shaishai (Saudi Arabia)
Sabine Marcelis (The Netherlands)
Sam Shendi (Egypt & UK)
Stephan Breuer (France)
Forever is Now III is showing until 18 November 2023 at the site of the Pyramids of Giza.
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Thank you Alaa El Sayegh and Art D’Egypte.
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