A collective exhibition featuring a galaxy of artists from different generations is currently on show at Salama gallery in Mohandeseen. Entitled "Art for All", the exhibition showcases artworks from various art domains such as drawing, painting, ceramic, sculpture and carving. Most of the contemporary artists are keen to participate in this annual exhibition as it is a great opportunity to sell their artworks for bargain prices aiming at reaching the largest number of audience. Among the participants are Omar Al-Nagdi, Georges Bahgory, Zeinab Al-Sageni, Samir Fouad, Esmat Dawestashi, Mohamed Mekkawi, Fatema Refaat, Shaker Al-Maadawi, Abdel-Aal Hassan. There are also paintings on show by the late brothers Seif and Adham Wanli. This week's review focuses on the art of Mohamed Mekkawi, professor of décor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University and the faculty's former dean. Mekkawi's recurrent theme in most of his paintings is the Nile and the Egyptian villages that occupy a very special place in his heart. He adores Egypt's nature and spectacular landscape. He depicts the Egyptian countryside and its architectural heritage; he reflects on canvas the rural architecture that embraces the nature including trees, the serene blue sky and the Nile in a romantic style that echoes the artist's deep feelings with regards to these things. Despite the fact that many artists painted these elements of nature, still Mekkawi has got his very own rich and transparent palette of colours that distinguished him among his peers. In his 30 oil paintings on show, his brush strokes reminds the viewer of the austere life in the rural backwaters and the purity of nature far away from the polluted and overcrowded cities. His paintings are characterized by ravishingly beautiful arabesque style that is exceptionally transparent and romantic. The exhibition is on until the end of the art season.
