Celebrating Egypt: ‘The Spirit of the Place’ exhibition opens in Kuwait

• H. E. Osama Shaltout, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Kuwait, stated that the exhibition is part of a series of events held by the embassy in cooperation with the Wajah Cultural Center, praising this fruitful collaboration with the foundation and the Executive Director of the Wajah Center, Maryam Al-Muharrib.

• ‘The Spirit of the Place’ exhibition features visual artists Dr. Hisham Attia and Dr. Taher Helmy.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Osama Shaltout, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Kuwait, the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Wajha Cultural Center, held a joint exhibition titled “The Spirit of the Place” featuring visual artists Dr. Hisham Attia and Dr. Taher Helmy.

In the presence of the Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Heba Zaki; Ms. Maryam Al-Muhareb, Director and Founder of the Wajah Cultural Center; the Chargé d’Affaires of the Cultural Office of the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait, Muhammad Abdel Nabi; and a group of artists, members of the Egyptian community, and intellectuals from the sister State of Kuwait, the event was a notable gathering.

After his tour, Ambassador Shaltout said, “As we saw, the artistic works of Dr. Attia and Dr. Taher stem from the Egyptian environment and its connection to time and place, whether it is the local, rural, or historical environment of Egypt. The works derive their content from the Egyptian identity.”

Ambassador Shaltout stated that the exhibition is part of a series of events held by the embassy in cooperation with the Wajah Cultural Center, praising this fruitful collaboration with the foundation and the Executive Director of the Wajah Center, Maryam Al-Muharrib.

Regarding the importance of culture, the head of the Egyptian consular mission in the State of Kuwait, Ambassador Heba Zaki, emphasized in her speech that culture is crucial because it enhances and strengthens relations between peoples. She stated, “I can say with conviction that culture is the only remaining area in which progress and achievement can occur in relations between peoples.”

For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Salam, the general coordinator of the exhibition, praised the participation of Egyptian community artists in many cultural and artistic activities. He noted that ‘The Spirit of the Place’ exhibition represents the unique artistic expressions of each artist, conveyed with a conscious and renewed sense.

In the same context, Professor Maryam Al-Muhareb, Director and Founder of the Wajeh Cultural Center, expressed her pride in the joint cooperation between the Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Egypt to spread cultural and artistic awareness among citizens and residents.

She stated that today’s exhibition presents an expressive vision that distinguishes each of the artists. She also extended her thanks and appreciation to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H. E. Osama Shaltout, for his sponsorship of various cultural activities.

The plastic artists Dr. Attia and Dr. Helmy presented their plastic ideas through sublime human scenes where ideas and visions compete. In his participation, Attia showcased the manifestations of birth in the Egyptian neighborhood, highlighted the close relationship between the musician and the instrument, and explored various elements of beauty.

In the painting ‘Gypsy,’ he depicted a woman’s aspiration to fly like a bird despite restrictions, manifesting her strength through her attention to beauty.

The painting “The Return” shows peasants returning from the field at sunset, and “Succulent Tea” depicts a family gathering in the Egyptian countryside.

Dr. Helmy’s works were characterized by a density of topics. The painting “The Village Sheikh” showed the importance of the cleric’s role in the village, both spiritually and socially. “Autumn Leaves” depicted the change in features and feelings through the seasons, while “To the Market” captured the movement of people inside the market. In “Portrait of Freedom,” Dr. Helmy illustrated women’s aspiration for freedom like birds. His works reflect sophistication and aesthetic diversity.

Dr. Helmy said, “My dream is that the title of the exhibition is ‘The Spirit of a Place,’ as it is known that places can evoke very beautiful or sometimes sad memories.”

He pointed out that the works are drawn with an abstract philosophy, dealing with the spirit that remains in a place and the spirit resulting from a person, animal, bird, or tree. When they disappear from the place, their spirit leaves an impact.

Dr. Helmy indicated that these scenes are depicted in a simplified manner but convey a deep meaning to the viewer. He added that he participates in many exhibitions, and this is the 14th exhibition in which he has participated.

Dr. Attia said that the contents of the works speak about Egypt, commenting, “Our longing for Egypt and its popular neighborhoods, farms, and other features was reflected in my works.” He indicated that he participated in approximately 19 paintings, following the realistic style while adding light refractions in his own style with an abundance of colors. He commented, “The essence of the painting itself is the spirit of the Egyptian place.” He concluded by noting that this was the third exhibition he had held in the State of Kuwait, thanking the Egyptian Embassy and Wajha Cultural Center.