As part of our mission to act as a search engine for Egypt’s next generation of Contemporary Artists, ArtTalks is proud to announce the addition of Maged Mekhail to its roster of promising emerging artists.
Born in1982,Mekhail graduated from Helwan Fine Arts Institute in 2004, after which he trained during 4 years under the tutelage of Egyptian pivotal artist, Adam Henein. Armed with outstanding craftsmanship and intensive training, Mekhail carved a distinctive and independent direction for himself, culminating in winning the 2011 Sculpture Award at the Ministry of Culture’s Youth Salon.
Mekhail continues the legacy of prominent Egyptian sculptors such as Mahmoud Mokhtar and Henein to mix pharaonic influence with contemporary sculpting. To this however, he adds Coptic influences deriving from his roots. His forms are usually semi-abstractions of the human figure – suggestive celebration of the sensual female body or icons of our proud Egyptian Coptic and Muslim heritage.
As we struggle and argue about our Egyptian identity, Maged Mekhail gently reminds us of what we stand for – a diverse, rich and tolerant people who has shaped the past and is able to embrace the future.