Al Masar Gallery celebrates its fifth year in Cairo with a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Ahmed Farid titled 'Urban Diversity', while The Art Lounge hosts 'Table of Life' by Tarek Montasser Celebrating its fifth anniversary as a prominent element of Egypt's contemporary art scene, Al Masar Gallery is hosting a solo painting exhibition by Ahmed Farid, which opened Saturday 11 May. Another art show by Tarek Montasser will be held in its newly inaugurated affiliate venue, The Art Lounge. Inspired by Cairo's cityscapes and the contrasts that pervade the city, Ahmed Farid's series of paintings, dubbed 'Urban Diversity', are rich with texture and layers of paint. "The artist is inspired by his observations of the social divisions in society, particularly slums vs. houses of the rich," reads the curatorial statement. "Every painting manifests a story from each area that inspired the artist and the relationships of the people living in those areas…the paintings are full of gossip, quarrels, wonders and dreams." At the recently inaugurated venue The Art Lounge, Tarek Montasser's debut solo exhibit, titled 'Table of Life', brings a series of still life paintings to contrast with Farid's pieces capturing 'Urban Diversity'.These paintings mostly depict inanimate objects in frenzied, playful compositions. Programme: Until 30 May, both exhibitions will run side by side at Al Masar Gallery and the Art Lounge Baehler's Mansions, 157b, 26 July St., ground floor, Zamalek 11211 http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/71488.aspx