INSPIRED by the 25th Alexandria Biennale for Mediterranean Countries, which was held in December 2009, the Isis Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Alexandria's Artists'. The exhibition is a good opportunity for interaction between the younger generation and the veterans, the pioneering artists of Egypt's coastal city of Alexandria. The works of the artists reflect an unrestricted freedom and also a sense of belonging to their ancient city, Alexandria. The exhibitors have all been influenced by contemporary art movements overseas and modern technology. Mohamed Hamed Oweis, the winner of the State Prize of Merit in Egypt in 2000and the Mubarak Award in 2005, is one of the talented artists in the exhibition. Oweis'paintings feature the village life of Egyptian people, farmers, the harvest and warm family relations. Serkis Tossonian is another leading Alexandrian artist participating in the exhibition in the Isis Art Gallery. As usual, Tossonian's bronze sculptures represent simplicity, elegance and softness. He uses various techniques to polish the surface of his sculptures and produce bright flashes of light. The promising artist Samar el-Barawi chiefly celebrates female figures in her works. The women's faces in her paintings represent not only Alexandria, but Egypt as a whole. As for Reem Hassan, she is known for her abstract works with very strong colours. Then there's Saeed Badr, whose works resemble the sculptures of the Ancient Egyptians. He has also copied the Rosetta Stone. Naiema el-Shishini is also another prominent participant. Famous Egyptian artist Mostafa el-Razaz says that she has a wonderful way of blending Egypt's heritage and environment. Naiema's paintings have always been very original. The ‘Alexandria's Artists' exhibition is being held in the Isis Art Gallery at the Mahmoud Mokhtar Museum, 5 el-Tahrir St., el-Gezira (02/2736-0540). The exhibition, which runs until April 15, is open daily from 10am to 10pm except on Fridays.
