Fourth edition of ‘Forever Is Now’ brings international artists to Egypt
- 19 Sep 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The fourth edition of “Forever Is Now”, one of Egypt’s landmark art exhibitions, returns to the country this October (October 24 – Nov. 16), under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the patronage of UNESCO. “Forever Is Now .04” brings together a distinguished group of 12 international artists, each contributing their individual voice to a collective dialogue that transcends time and cultural boundaries. This year’s exhibition invites audiences to embark on a journey of discovery, where art serves as a bridge between history and the present day. The curatorial theme positions both artists and visitors as modern-day archaeologists, using creativity as tools to uncover the hidden layers of meaning embedded in the mundane.
The use of unconventional materials underscores the vision, reminding us that like archaeology, art demands an eye for the unexpected and the courage to celebrate the ordinary. “Forever Is Now .04” brings together a diversity of cultural perspectives, with artists from the United Kingdom, Italy, South Korea, South Africa, Belgium, Lebanon, France, Egypt, India, Greece, Spain, Canada and beyond contributing their individual narrative to the artistic dialogue.
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The Giza Pyramids, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, serve not only as a backdrop to the show, but are an integral part of the artistic experience, with ancient history and modern innovation coming together. For the first time, this year’s exhibition features two parallel projects. The first one showcases an AI artist, Hassan Ragab, who is Egyptian-American. His innovative work, supported by Meta, bridges technology and traditional art, offering a new perspective on how artificial intelligence can contribute to and expand the world of creative expression. In addition, is a video project by Saudi artist Daniah Al Saleh. It is a 10-minute piece which revisits the golden era of Egyptian cinema (1940s-1960s), exploring how the movies influenced Middle Eastern societies by subtly challenging norms around fashion, love, and personal expression. Blending research with machine learning, “Evanesce” reimagines the experience of watching classical films, evoking a sense of nostalgia, while questioning how cinema shapes our collective memories and perceptions of reality.
Other artists include Chris Levine (United Kingdom), who is celebrated for his pioneering work in light art and spatial awareness. Levine’s installation in the exhibition draws on sacred geometry and astronomical ratios, particularly those found in the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Federica Di Carlo (Italy) approaches her work with a profound connection to nature and the cosmos.
Her installation at the Pyramids symbolises the infinite possibilities of life and the unseen energies that surround us, merging the scientific with the mystical. Ik-Joong Kang (South Korea) is renowned for his intricate mosaics, bringing together thousands of small canvases, each representing a story or memory. His work at Giza draws parallels between the ancient world and modern life.
Jake Michael Singer’s (South Africa) work at Giza reflects on the juxtaposition of the ancient desert with modernity, challenging viewers to rethink their relationship with nature and history. Jean Boghossian (Belgium/Lebanon) is a master of the art of fire. His burnt canvases and sculptures represent both destruction and creation. At the Giza Pyramids, his work echoes the enduring spirit of rebirth. Jean-Marie Appriou (France) is renowned for his dreamlike sculptures that blend mythology with contemporary concerns. His installation at Giza evokes a dialogue between the ancient gods and modern humanity, bridging the gap between the mystical and the real. Khaled Zaki’s (Egypt) work melds ancient Egyptian forms with modern abstraction. His sculptures resonate with the timelessness of the Pyramids, embodying a fusion of past and present, in their design.
Luca Boffi’s (Italy) work engages communities in a shared exploration of space and memory, transforming the Giza Pyramids into a canvas for collective action. Marie Khouri (Canada/Lebanon) blends her Egyptian heritage with global influences, creating flowing arabesque forms that spell out universal messages of peace and unity. Shilo Shiv Suleman (India) merges Eastern and Western symbols to create immersive installations that represent a rebirth of consciousness. Her work is inspired by the blue lotus flower and offers a space for connection and peace, harmonising ancient Egyptian and Indian motifs.
STUDIO INI by Nassia Inglessis (Greece) is known for sculptures that take form and transform by human interaction. Nassia’s sculpture at Giza invites viewers on a journey into the past of Ancient Egyptians, in a vision of the future that unites the human and the technological. Xavier Mascaro (Spain/Latin America) integrates architecture, design and sculpture in his works that often interact with the environment. His contribution to the exhibition at Giza questions the boundaries between what is ancient and what is new.
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Founder, Culturvator by Art D’Egypte, and organiser of Forever, noted that “this year’s exhibition is particularly special as it marks the first time we are featuring artists from Asia, opening up new dialogues and connections across borders.” Art D’Egypte was established by Ghaffar to support Egyptian arts and cultural initiatives. Culturvator was born out of a need to extend the reach of Art D’Egypte. The exhibition is supported by partners including official banking partner Alex Bank, insurance partner Barta & Partners, Afrexim Bank, total energies, BICC cables, logistics partner DHL, carrier partner Egyptair, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Sawiris foundation, leather partner leopelle and media partners TV5 Monde, MO4 Network, Designboom and Art Africa.