On one wall is a black and white belly dancer with abstract letters surrounding her. Next to it is an extremely colorful David Hockney inspired maze-like town. Directly opposite is a photograph of an ant. You must be wondering what kind of multiple personality exhibition this could be. These are the walls of the Falaki Gallery at the American University in Cairo (AUC). They are full with a variety of artwork: paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media and sculptures all produced to professional standards. So who is this incredible artist? Well these are all works of some of the best art students at the university, displayed at their first ever juried exhibition entitled "State of the Art . The aim was to "get a large range of submissions from the students and from that select the best works for either good formal skills or conceptual skills but also just good art work, says Brian Curling, Director of the Falaki Gallery and a professor of art at the university. Curling invited Jordanian artist Hakim Jemain to jury this show. He had to narrow down the 200 submissions to 71. Each student was allowed to submit up to three original pieces. Ann Shaefer, Director of the AUC Art Program feels the exhibition is very rewarding. "One of my goals was to boost the standards of the work that the students are producing and we have all put a lot of work into it all . They are figuring out what they can actually do as artists, she says proudly. The prize giving took place at the Gallery, where six different awards were given. The first was given by Professor of Art Gamal Lamie. He chose Dina Abdel Aziz for her unique work in her first drawing class. He was impressed with how she developed a style straightaway. The second award was given by Curley to British student Oliver Cronk for his work with ink. "I submitted it as a last minute thing . You don't get the opportunity to exhibit your stuff every day so I though why not, he told The Daily Star Egypt. The next award was given by Shaefer to Heba Nawara for her series of drawings and watercolor painting. "They are very quiet but carry great beauty. A refinement of vision . a quiet that speaks volumes, says Shaefer of Nawara's work. The next was the Memorial Award. Although Karim Safwat was a Political Science student, he was excelling in his art class before his tragic death. His former teacher Heba Mustafa gave a touching speech about him, then offered an award in his name to his fellow student Amena El Saei for her exceptional drawings. The fifth was the Dean award given by the Dean of Humanities Ann Lesch, who is "happy the program is flourishing. She chose the work of Kareem Farid because it stands out in her eyes as it has a sense of humor yet seriousness all at the same time. The final award was given by Jemain. He had no doubt from the very beginning that his favorite art pieces were by Amy Arif. "I was very surprised I wasn't expecting it at all. I was very happy of course. I didn't think anyone would understand, she says. Although the first of its kind, "State of the Art is set to be an annual event for current students. State of the ArtAUC student juried exhibitionFalaki Galley, the American University in Cairo. (02) 797 6103 Open daily from 12-9 pm, except Fridays. Running until April 26, 2007.
