In the heart of Cairo, where the ancient Pyramids of Giza stand as guardians of time, French-Egyptian curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar orchestrates a symphony of art and heritage in the third edition of “Forever Is Now.” As the clock strikes noon, the bustling energy in Cairo is a testament to the monumental task ahead.

Abdel Ghaffar, the founder of the Egyptian arts platform Art D’Égypte, is not just organizing an art exhibition but crafting an immersive experience against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Pyramids. Opening on Oct. 26, this site-specific installation transcended the boundaries of time, seamlessly blending contemporary art with the timeless tapestry of Egypt’s cultural heritage. It was the third edition of the event, but this time clouded with the war between Hamas and Israel to the north. Tourists were afraid to come to Egypt, but the show went on.

“The Pyramids, for me, are a token of hope for humanity,” Abdel Ghaffar shares, her voice echoing through the millennia. “It’s a world wonder that was not lost. It withstood pandemics, wars, different religions, and it’s still there.” Her sentiment resonates with the enduring spirit of the Pyramids, a beacon of resilience that has weathered the storms of history.

In the throes of the COVID pandemic, Abdel Ghaffar found solace in the words of veteran Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. “Look at the Pyramids,” he told her, “This will give you hope. It’s still there. So, humanity will not be erased. Don’t worry.” The Pyramids became a symbol of continuity, a source of strength during uncertain times.

Setting up an exhibition near the Pyramids is no small feat. It involves navigating through bureaucratic mazes involving the Secret Services, UNESCO, and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Ten days before the grand opening, a dedicated team of 150 workers, including architects and electricians, toils around the clock. Challenges abound, but the fruition of the exhibition each year is nothing short of a miracle. “On the night of the opening, everyone is blown away,” Abdel Ghaffar exclaims.

In past editions of “Forever Is Now,” visionary artists like JR, El-Seed, and Lorenzo Quinn left their indelible marks with sculptural installations. See some photos below. This year, the exhibition extends beyond the Pyramids, with cultural events in Downtown Cairo organized by Art D’Égypte. In response to recent violence in Gaza, the organization is taking a philanthropic stance by setting up Egyptian Red Crescent donation booths.

Amidst this cultural tapestry, sustainability takes center stage. The immersive experience at the interactive Giza exhibition is curated with environmental consciousness. Each installation, a delicate dance between modernity and history, aims to engage the audience in a dialogue about the interconnectedness of art, heritage, and the local environment.

This year’s “Forever Is Now” places a renewed emphasis on sustainability, weaving eco-friendly practices into the very fabric of the exhibition. From the materials used in installations, sourced responsibly and with minimal environmental impact, to the meticulous planning of waste reduction strategies, every aspect reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship.

In the third edition of the exhibition, the participation of 14 international artists adds a layer of cultural diversity and artistic exchange. Organized by CulturVator – Art D’Egypte, the event not only celebrates contemporary art against the backdrop of ancient wonders but also emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange among artists.

These artworks include a geometric sculpture by artist Dionysios titled “Meditation on Light,” employing artificial intelligence; a hyper-realistic sculpture by artist Carol Feuerman titled “Egyptian Woman in the Form of the Goddess Hathor,” evoking the ancient Egyptian deity of love and fertility; and parts of a maze by artist Rashid Al Khalifa, adorned with patterns inspired by the book “Tower of Babel” by Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher in 1679. The contemporary artworks vary in materials, including “fiberglass, steel, stone, marble,” offering an artful and environmentally friendly experience.

Nadine Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the significance of the exhibition, stating, “The ‘Forever Is Now’ exhibition has achieved outstanding success in attracting attention to contemporary art since its first edition. This year, the exhibition raises questions about the new era of technology and cultural change that the world is going through, by combining cultural heritage with the rich diversity of contemporary art practices.”

She expressed gratitude to contributors, institutions, and official partners, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Antiquities, Culture, and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, among others. The support from various entities underscores the collaborative effort to promote Egyptian art and heritage on the global stage.

In the third edition of “Forever Is Now,” 14 local and international artists are participating, each bringing a unique perspective and artistic vision to the exhibition. Belgian Arne Quinze, Brazilian Arthur Lescher, Emirati Azza Al-Qubaisi, American Carol Feuerman, Greeks Dionysios and Costas Varotsos, French duo JR and Stephan Breuer, Egyptian Mohamed Banawy, Argentinean Pilar Zeta, Bahraini Rashid Al Khalifa, Saudi Rashed Al Shashai, Dutch Sabine Marcelis, and Egyptian-British Sam Shendi form a diverse ensemble of creative minds.

These artists express the importance of this global event, hoping that their artistic works receive positive and inspiring responses. The Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy, for instance, finds it an exciting adventure to showcase his work alongside the great civilization of Egypt in one of the most significant archaeological areas in the world.

His work, titled ‘As Above, As Below,’ draws inspiration from the emerald tablets written by the god Thoth, symbolizing keys that speak to us from the realm of the spirit. Banawy’s installation invites viewers to contemplate the material world as a reflection of another world existing in a different dimension, connecting Lower and Upper Egypt in a symbolic journey.

French artist JR, participating for the first time, presents the project “From the Inside Out,” a platform that empowers communities worldwide to defend their beliefs and incite local global change through public art. This initiative, launched by JR after winning the TED Prize in 2011, encourages cooperation and dialogue between communities worldwide through large-scale black-and-white portraits displayed in public spaces.

Greek artist Dionysios contributes the project “Meditation on Light,” a meditative performance art exhibited at the millennial Giza Plateau. Using AI, Dionysios creates different invocations on the theme of light, reflecting Apollo, the god of light, conversing with Ra’a, the god of the sun. His installation invites viewers to envision the Giza plateau as a space for reflection and meditation on the concept of light, symbolizing a carpet on the ground following the trajectory of the sun from dusk till dawn.

Costas Varotsos, another Greek artist, presents “Horizon,” focusing on the relationship between the Nile River and the Giza Plateau. For Varotsos, the horizon is a prediction of the future, defining the concept in space while determining the position toward life. His project features eight circles representing the world’s revolutions, connecting the celestial dome and the cycle of life expressed through the geometric shape of the circle.

Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa presents “Timeless Reality,” inspired by the greatness of Egypt. Using palm fronds, an ancient craft, Al Khalifa pays tribute to the history of the pyramids, providing a contemporary interpretation of their impact on the region’s development processes. His project, “The Transparent Pyramid,” blurs the lines between traditional and modern, renewing perceptions of art, heritage, science, and sustainable practices.

Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis contributes “Ra,” an installation inspired by the sun and the birthplace of the sundial. Marcelis’s artwork not only represents a sundial but harnesses the power of the sun, transforming it into energy. Her piece reflects deep respect for ancient Egyptian culture and their reverence for the sun god Ra.

Stephan Breuer, a French artist, presents “Temple •|•” for the first time in the exact axis of the pyramids. The triangular shape symbolizes the accomplishment of mastering technology in Ancient Egypt, conveying a testimony of human genius. “Temple •|•” represents a new era in human evolution, linked to digital technology and artificial intelligence, celebrating every human that interacts with it. His piece conveys both a strong material and spiritual message, preserving digital memories and offering a new visual expression of the Sublime.

Egyptian-British artist Sam Shendi introduces “The Phantom Temple,” bridging the past and the future through sculptural works that transcend classifications. Shendi’s sculptures serve as vibrant reflections of the human condition, leaving an imprint on the land and transporting imagination beyond time.

Argentinian artist Pilar Zeta presents “Mirror Gate,” a multidimensional portal connecting past and present, blending natural and artificial materials from the post-industrial era. Viewers are invited to reflect on their infinite potential when they see their reflections inside the pyramids, drawing connections to the limitless possibilities found in Egyptian mythology.

The diverse artistic contributions extend from Argentina to the UAE, with Azza Al Qubaisi sharing her work titled “Treasures.” Al Qubaisi captures the secrets, shapes, and patterns of desert landscapes, incorporating cultural memories, stories, and ornaments from the past. Her artwork allows viewers to immerse themselves in an experience walking between the art piece and the sand dunes, symbolizing a journey through personal lives and hidden treasures within.

Belgian artist Arne Quinze’s project, “The Gateway of Light,” offers an alternative perspective on the Pyramids of Giza, exploring the dynamics between the power of nature and its fragility. Quinze emphasizes the ancient and rich Egyptian culture where the sun has always played a crucial role, presenting the sun as the fundamental element for all forms of life within a sculpted circular frame.

Arthur Lescher, although unable to attend, expresses his happiness about creating his artwork “The Observatory” to be exhibited on the Giza plateau. His artwork reframes the question of human connection with the universe, using the inner part of the pyramids as a benchmark to reflect the human scale in a new context.

“CulturVator – Art D’Egypte” has been at the forefront of organizing groundbreaking exhibitions that merge the old and the new, changing the world’s perception of contemporary art in Egypt. The annual exhibitions by “Art d’Egypte” aim to promote Egyptian art globally, showcasing contemporary Egyptian art in heritage sites that link Egypt’s rich history with its creative present.

From “Eternal Light” at the Egyptian Museum in 2017 to “Narratives Rescued” at four historical sites on Moez Street in historic Cairo in 2019, these exhibitions have transformed the way contemporary art is perceived in Egypt. The prominent “Eternal Now” exhibitions held on the slopes of the historic Giza Pyramids in their first and second editions further solidify the commitment of “Culturevator – Art d’Egypte” to promoting Egyptian art on the global stage.

In the words of Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, the success of the “Forever Is Now” exhibition lies not only in its ability to attract attention to contemporary art but also in its capacity to pose essential questions about technology, cultural change, and the convergence of heritage with contemporary art practices. As the third edition unfolds against the timeless backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, it serves as a beacon, illuminating a path towards a sustainable future where creativity and heritage thrive in harmony. The night sky over Giza not only showcases the brilliance of art but also holds the promise of a more sustainable and conscious tomorrow.

::Arte Egypt