Against the timeless backdrop of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the third edition of the ambitious art exhibition, “Forever is Now,” is captivating audiences with its transformative blend of contemporary artistry and Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Curated by CulturVator – Art D’Égypte, this year’s installment, running from October 26 to November 18, features 14 diverse artists from around the world whose large-scale sculptures and installations engage in a dynamic dialogue with the monumental pyramids and the UNESCO world heritage site’s cultural legacy.
The exhibition explores the intricate connections between land, traditions, spirituality, and technology, emphasizing the profound interweaving of our past and present. Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, the founder of Art D’Égypte, underscores the importance of cultural exchange among artists and the enduring ability of ancient Egypt’s cultural heritage to inspire both artistic creation and public imagination.
Saudi Arabian artist Rashed Al Shashai’s “Translucent Pyramid” competes for attention with the ancient monuments, constructed from wicker baskets as a homage to Egypt’s ancient craft of wicker weaving. Meanwhile, Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy’s towering installation, “As Above, So Below (Dome of Starry Sky),” shaped like a pyramid, references the Emerald Tablet and ancient Egyptian cosmic philosophy.
French artist Stephan Breuer’s “TEMPLE •I•,” a suspended golden triangle of pure light, invites visitors to reflect on both the external world and their inner selves, while UAE artist Azza Al Qubaisi’s “Treasures” blends geometric volumes with the organic shapes of the surrounding sand dunes.
Pilar Zeta’s “Mirror Gate” features a pyramid atop a sculptural portal inspired by Egypt’s ancient mysticism, creating an inter-dimensional gateway between time and space. Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa’s “Reality is Timeless” blends futuristic design with ancient mythological references, creating a cluster of rectilinear volumes with elaborate geometric motifs.
Brazilian artist Artur Lescher’s “Observatory Meta Oiko” explores the relationship between humans and the universe, creating a prismatic sculpture that invites visitors to view the pyramids from a different perspective.
The exhibition also features a hauntingly futuristic installation by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis, titled “RA,” paying tribute to the sundial, and American artist Carole Feuerman’s bronze sculpture, “Woman in the Form of Goddess Hathor,” capturing the graceful fluidity reminiscent of water associated with the ancient deity.
The symbolic resonance of the circle is found in Greek artist Costas Varotsos’ “Horizon,” consisting of eight conjoined metallic rings half-filled with glass, creating an illusory horizon uniting the pyramids with the River Nile. Belgian artist Arne Quinze’s “Aurora,” a circular sculpture, frames views of one of the pyramids, exploring the strength and fragility of nature.
In “Meditation on Light” by Greek artist Dionysios, the Egyptian sun god converses with Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, creating a textured carpet with gold-plated brass leaves on linen that traces the sun’s path from dusk to dawn.
French artist JR’s contribution involves a vast tapestry of black and white portraits, forming a 20-meter-long composite artwork that fosters a communal dialogue with the UNESCO world heritage site.
“Forever is Now III” not only showcases the artistic brilliance of contemporary creators but also serves as an ode to the enchantment of ancient Egypt’s cultural heritage. In a world marked by upheavals, the exhibition stands as a testament to the continual evolution of art, anchoring hope and faith within our knowledge of the past and the belief that there is no future without history. The narrative of past achievements inspires successive generations, contributing to a contemporary artistic legacy in a place of worldwide historical significance.
