"The Best is yet to come", is the latest exhibition of ceramic byZeinab Salem currently on display at Zamalek Art gallery's Venue I. "Since the outset, the value of touch has accompanied me in all my works of art. This started as a structural perspective of ceramic pottery and was later transformed into an artistic and optical interpretation of natural elements, which influenced me during the first two decades of my life in the coastal environment of Ismailia where I was raised," Salem comments on her art. Light, form and texture, however, have always been the main features that characterize Salem's work. She depicts brightly, the interaction between light and the subtle nature of ceramic surfaces. Her latest collection comes in the form of an intriguing selection of ceramic sculptures. Salem's creations are presented on a plinth, though some hang on the walls, taking on a completely different perspective and allowing the audience to look at them as though they were paintings. Uniquely enough, Salem has carved into the ceramic before it has dried to create textures, patterns and lines. The ceramist's handiwork presents a delightful display of light, subtle and sublime in a synthesis of textures. Her wide experience whether in clay, texture, firing, glazing or additives is impressive. In 1967, Salem obtained a BA in Applied Arts, followed by an MA, a scholarship from the government of Netherlands and then in 1982 obtained a PhD, before heading the Ceramic Department at the Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University. Having participated in many exhibitions worldwide, when it comes to ceramics, Salem is recognised as one of the leading figures in Egyptian contemporary art. She was twice, the recipient of the Grand Prize of the International Cairo Biennale. Her ceramic creations are on permanent display at the Egyptian Modern Art Museum, Museum of Joseph Prousse Tito, Yougoslavia, Museum of the Cultural Centre Asila, Morocco as well as private collections in Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Egypt. The exhibition is open until 18 January.
