Explore the alternative reality of French artist Katherine Bakhoum at Safar Khan A belly dancer, young men wearing tarabeesh (fez) and people dancing in the street, almost flying. Such images dominate the current exhibit by Katherine Bakhoum. Bakhoum's style, with its intricate, concrete details transforms simple oriental signatures into majestic melancholic masterpieces. Born to an Egyptian father and a French mother, Bakhoum grew up in Cairo. But at 12 moved to Paris, where she is based until today. But she never lost touch with her roots; Bakhoum holds a much-anticipated exhibition in Cairo every year. On opening night at Safar Khan Gallery, many of her painting where already sold. "I use mixed media, explains Bakhoum when I comment on the unique texture of her paintings. "In the background I spend a long time using things like marble and gold leaf. After she completes the background, she uses pastels on the foreground to bring the characters to life. The paintings are unique because the pastels appear different on each background medium. Bakhoum recalls a previous exhibit depicting African culture. She told The Daily Star Egypt what attracted her to it were the dresses and their vibrant colors. She places a lot of focus on the fabric and materials that clothe the fictional characters at the center of her paintings - you can almost feel the softness. Some of the larger canvases depict the vast sky, with miniature, brightly-dressed figures across the painting, each body full of so much energy. Bakhoum's husband French photographer Jérôme Tisné says: "I think most of the paintings are about traveling memory, like a dream. remembering something when you are young. Many of the paintings tackle the theme of departure (or perhaps escape), with people standing on shore looking at boats. "I like the paintings because in them, I enter something I don't know very well, but I can feel the atmosphere. She takes my hand and we are going somewhere, Tisné says. Katherine Bakhoum ExhibitionSafar Khan Gallery6 Brazil St., Zamalek, CairoTel: (02) 755331410am-2pm and 5- 9pmUntil March 6
