Nanci El Sahafi introduces a new look at mosaic CAIRO: For those looking for a fresh alternative to the humdrum art scene in Egypt, head to El Sakia Gallery, where an exhibit of Nansi El Sahafi's glass-mosaic art is on display starting today. This first-time exhibitionist is part of a new wave of Egyptian artists who are bringing to Egyptians art that is art, without hidden meanings, pompous interpretations, or burning price tags. El Sahafi's work is ideal for virgin art collectors seeking pieces that are aesthetically pleasing at a practical price for their homes. "For me, art is art. It's a form of self expression, El Sahafi tells The Daily Star Egypt. "You make what you want of it you either like it or you don't. I think people get caught up in the need to like things because they are told they are good. But the truth is, you decide what art is, and you don't need to be an expert to determine that. El Sahafi's exhibition, which relies heavily on Islamic art influences, drawing on the designs of Persian carpets, encompasses a total of 15 pieces of glass mosaic art, something relatively new in Egypt. While mosaic art has long been part of Egypt's art heritage, the use of glass rather than stones, something that is growing in popularity abroad, has yet to be fully explored by local artists. "In Egypt, most people use stones and tiles - glass is triple the price of stones, so many art schools here do not offer classes using glass, as it's too expensive, explains El Sahafi. "It's a relatively new concept. El Sahafi, a third grade teacher who graduated from the University of Helwan's Fine Arts faculty in sculpture, did not find her niche until she moved to the United States with her husband and took mosaic art classes (where she ventured into the e-commerce field by selling some of her work on eBay). "Everything I drew looked like it needed more than just paint - it needed something more, something new, but I didn't know what, she says. El Sahafi quickly found that extra something she was looking for in mosaic art. "I found I could express myself better in mosaic art and, in glass, I found that my abstract art came to life, she says. El Sahafi states that she draws inspiration from nature and music. "It really depends on my mood. Sometimes Hakeem will inspire me, and sometimes it's Mozart, she says. El Sahafi credits her husband for his support, as he was the one who encouraged El Sahafi to display her work, going as far as to rent the room in El Sakia Gallery where her work will be on display. "He really was key in making this happen, she says. While in the United States, El Sahafi relied on the elements for inspiration - in Egypt, emotions are the driving force for her creations. "In the United States, you don't witness that much emotion; people are more rigid and careful as to how much of themselves they expose. In Egypt, people let their guard down easily; we are definitely not a reserved population. Whether it be suffering, celebration or even an animated conversation between friends, you are constantly being bombarded with emotions, she adds. El Sahafi, who believes that the revival of ancient Islamic and Persian designs is needed, uses wood with glass to give a withered, fragile effect to her pieces, which range from wall hangings, tables, mirrors, to a dining table. Using sheets of glass, El Sahafi then cuts the glass into tiny shards to use in her work; a process that is both long and dangerous. "You have to use goggles and gloves as the glass is sharp, but I've learned how to do it properly and to me, the process is part of the creation, she states. Ranging in price from LE 60 to LE 5,000 for the dining table. El Sahafi's pieces combine the best of worlds, art and interior decorating. Who could resist a glass-mosaic encrusted dining tabletop? Nanci El Sahafi's exhibition, entitled, "Glass Mosaic, will be on display in El Kilma room at Al Sakia Gallery from July 1-9, 2006.
