A duo exhibition of paintings by poet Fadwa Ramadan and painter Mervat Shazli is currently on display at Grant gallery. Entitled "1x2", the exhibition showcases a collection of paintings that brilliantly depict the hidden feelings of women, as well as her features. Each one of the artists presents her very own vision concerning a number of issues and incidents that affect the entire society. Ramadan adopts the irregular portrait of women and creates abstract works as well and a series that describes the sufferings of Egyptian women in a reality that often underestimates her real value and deprives her of the rights she deserves. Aquarelle and acrylic colours are her favourite mediums. In a number of the scenes, Ramadan's little girl appears guarding the flowers as if the artist desires to unveil to the audience one of her childhood secrets. In most of her paintings, Shazli's portrayal of Nubian women is overwhelming. She relinquished in some moments the realism in painting to enter new worlds based on symbolism to reflect what revolves deep inside. Artist Shazli was born in Aswan, and graduated from the Faculty for Fine Arts, Helwan University, earning a Masters degree in painting in 1998. Her thesis was: "The Impact of the Nubian Environment on Egyptian Artists." She has compiled many studies on the Nubian art. Member of the Plastic Artists Syndicate and Asala Society for Preserving Folk Arts and Handicrafts. She participated in a number of collective exhibitions in venues such as at Cairo Ateleir in 1998 – April 1999, Al-Marsam gallery, Shadicor gallery and the National Exhibition in 1999 and Cairo Atelier in April 2000. She held seven solo exhibitions and has acquisitions with individuals in Egypt, USA, Italy and Japan. She has received the second award in painting from the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports in 1994. The exhibition ends on 26 April.
