Currently a selection of paintings by the highly esteemed painter Effat Hosni, is showing at Picasso art gallery in Zamalek. It has become a habit for Hosni to hold the first exhibition of every year in January at Picasso. With his own personal approach to self-expression, Hosni's oil paintings depict folk legends in a rich and romantic style, with lavish decoration and detail. Titled “Beautiful Egypt”, the exhibition is Hosni's attempt to shed light on the ordeals, pains and dreams of women. He depicts the woman in different situations, knowing that she represents half of the Egyptian society and that her role in developing Egypt is undeniable. The artist has delved deeply into her passions, fears, aspirations and secrets, as well as her suppressed desires, which sometimes contradict with the norms of her society. He endeavoured to put himself in her shoes. He is sympathetic to the predicament of the Egyptian woman. He manages brilliantly to reflect all these contradictory and conflicting factors that make up the essence of women by painting meticulous details adorned with symbols and scattered folk motifs. Hosni started as a press illustrator and worked for some of the best-known Egyptian and Arab newspapers and magazines. His illustrations have been featured in many publications and children's books. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University, in 1963. He is a member of the Press Syndicate, Syndicate of Plastic Arts, Cairo Atelier and Al-Ghouri Artists Association. The exhibition runs through 28 January.
