A visitor takes photos of an artwork during the sixth edition of Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Feb 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
CAIRO — The sixth edition of Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum captivated art lovers with a stunning array of contemporary Arab art.
Running from Feb 8 to 11 under the theme "Peace to All Nations", the event brought together more than 300 artists and 35 galleries from across the Arab world and Europe, showcasing more than 3,500 works of art.
The exhibition featured a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, installations and mixed-media pieces such as intricate embroidery on canvas. It also showcased a mix of artistic styles, from abstract paintings and realistic portraits to conceptual pieces that challenge ideas and spark discussion.
A visitor looks at an artwork during the sixth edition of Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Feb 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A major highlight of Art Cairo was the "Egyptian Sarcophagi" series by Syrian contemporary artist Nizar Sabour, featuring paintings of iconic Egyptian figures such as singer Umm Kulthum and Nobel laureate novelist Naguib Mahfouz.
These elongated vertical portraits are inspired by Phoenician anthropoid sarcophagi and ancient Egyptian funerary traditions, with a halo of light circling each figure, reminiscent of sacred iconography.
Sabour stressed the importance of artistic gatherings in the Arab world, calling them a vital platform for exchanging expertise.
"We need such spaces for artistic communication, where artists can meet, interact, and assess their artworks. These gatherings not only enrich Arab art but also foster direct engagement between Arab artists," he said.
Xinhua
