Egyptian Surrealism – The Art and Freedom Group – 1930’s – 1940’s

One of Egypt’s overlooked, yet pivotal art movements is the Art & Freedom Group, founded by rebellious, intellectual scholars, writers and artists. This seminar aims at giving a deep understanding of the importance of that movement as well as its relevance to today’s political, religious and social context and revolutionary times. It covers the founders, their writings and most of all, shares their rare outstanding works. With their stand against order, beauty and logic, the ‘Art and Freedom’ group shook up a community steeped in academicism and the picturesque with their particular version of modernism. Herein was a remarkable moment when Surrealism in an odd alliance with Marxism met the Orient. Finally, the seminar ends with the movement introducing Abstract Art to Egypt.