A few days ago veteran political commentator Mohamed Hassanein Heikal said that “a painting is the light through which a man sees all kinds of culture.” The occasion was the gala Al-Ahram Establishment threw to mark its Art Centre that exhibits sculptures, murals and paintings by renowned Egyptian artists. I was there. I couldn't resist to illustrate Heikal, especially after he mentioned my life long friend, the late Kamal Al-Mallakh — writer and artist. Heikal's facial features invoke optimism despite the impasse the country is witnessing today