Introduction to Egyptian Contemporary Art

Following the 1952 revolution, Egyptian visual arts got their share of upheaval and shattered dreams. With the nationalisation of assets and lands, the mind of the artist and intellectuals was nationalized. Art became a government mouthpiece, devoid of freedom and independence. The seminar covers the period from late 1960’s to the present and aims at highlighting the struggles artists faced and the different sporadic movements and trends that emerged, until the present time – the 2011 Egyptian “intifada”, showing the struggle of Egypt to revive and regain its leading artistic position as well as highlighting the key players.