"الأبد هو الآن".. أعمال فنية معاصرة وسط الأهرامات

"Eternity is Now": Contemporary Art Amidst the Pyramids

The fourth edition of the "Eternity is Now" exhibition unfolded on the Giza Plateau, bringing together 12 international artists who presented a diverse collection of sculptures, installations, paintings, designs, and abstract forms.

Echoes of Ancient Civilization

The participating artworks reflect the profound impact of ancient Egyptian civilization on contemporary art, highlighting the enduring connection between the two. The exhibition delves into the extraordinary meanings found within ordinary objects, inviting viewers to engage with the artists' interpretations.

A Celebration of Artistic Expression

The exhibition, which runs until November 16th, is organized by the "Clutchervitor- Art de Egypt" foundation. It has evolved into an annual event that draws significant attention from both Egyptians and tourists alike.

The artists' creations are displayed in an open space, with the Great Pyramid of Khufu serving as a majestic backdrop. This iconic structure, the sole surviving wonder of the ancient world, provides a captivating setting for the artistic dialogue.

"The Four Temples": A Symbol of Harmony

In front of the Great Pyramid, the work "The Four Temples" by Korean artist Ik-Jung Kang captivated visitors with its cube-like structures adorned with Korean script and vibrant colors. Kang explains that the piece is a testament to harmony and peace achieved through communication and knowledge exchange. The walls of the four temples bear inscriptions in four languages: Korean, English, Arabic, and hieroglyphs.

A Collaborative Masterpiece

Within the cubes, there are 5,000 drawings contributed by children from Egypt, Korea, and refugees, including North Korean refugees who fled during the Korean War in the 1980s and 1990s. Kang highlights the importance of engaging these individuals, now adults, in the creative process.

Cosmic Symbolism and Interconnectedness

Kang further explains that Korean philosophy, dating back 4,000 years, recognizes the elements of the universe as represented by three components: earth, heavens, and humans, symbolized by the square, circle, and triangle. These symbols find their interconnectivity through the communication between the pyramids and "The Four Temples." The 16 walls that compose the artwork signify the connection between past, present, and future.

"The Race": A Metaphor for Global Dynamics

Egyptian artist Khaled Zaki, whose piece is titled "The Race," offers a poignant commentary on the world's current state of affairs. He portrays the global landscape as a constant "race," with the clash of civilizations an unending struggle. Zaki's sculpture, featuring two knights crafted from shimmering metal, embodies this dynamic, even though they are a single mass, they appear in a state of motion. Scattered around them are ancient wheels, some seemingly stalled, others buried in the sand, symbolizing the demise of the old and the emergence of the new.

A Legacy of Innovation and Challenge

Zaki emphasizes that the piece, which took three years to create, reflects the reality of certain nations possessing the keys to science and advancing forward, while other nations with rich histories and lands face threats. He acknowledges the immense challenge of capturing the dynamic motion of the knight sculpture.

"B H B": A Tapestry of Arabic Calligraphy

Lebanese artist Maria Khoury, known for her artwork "B H B," shares her perspective. This piece, originally showcased at the Vancouver Museum, marks her first exhibition in the Middle East. Khoury considers the pyramids an ideal and extraordinary location for showcasing her work.

A Touch of Artistic Expression

Khoury describes her creation as a sculptural installation incorporating Arabic calligraphy, inviting viewers to sit, touch, and experience the piece personally.

Inspired by Ancient Civilizations

Spanish artist Javier Mascaro expresses his enthusiasm for participating in the exhibition, particularly as his work draws inspiration from ancient civilizations. He views Egyptian civilization as the oldest and a source of learning for all.

"Exodus": A Journey Through Time

Mascaro's piece at the exhibition, titled "Exodus," is inspired by the concept of eternity in ancient Egypt. He emphasizes the profound importance of time in ancient Egyptian civilization. The artwork is a collection of 26 vessels of varying sizes, assembled by Mascaro himself. The creation of this piece has spanned several years.

A Celebration of Cultural Exchange

Kim Yong-hyun, South Korea's ambassador to Cairo, praises the exhibition as a remarkable event. He expresses his delight in the participation of renowned Korean artist Ik-Jung Kang and his work "The Four Temples," involving over 5,000 children. The ambassador emphasizes that the artwork conveys a message of peace and hope for the future.

Fostering Cultural Connections

Kim expresses his optimism for future collaborations with Korean artists. He notes the growing interest among Egyptian youth in learning Korean and exploring Korean culture. Exhibitions like this serve as valuable platforms for cultural exchange.

A Beacon of Safety and Inspiration

Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, expresses his admiration for the presence of 12 artists from around the world exhibiting their work in the shadow of the pyramids. He believes this event will be a pivotal moment in the lives of these artists, sending a message to the world that Egypt is a safe and inspiring nation.