The annual international art exhibition “Forever is now» launched its third edition at the Pyramids of Giza.
The event invites 14 artists from around the world to express their artistic vision of the Pyramids of Giza and ancient Egypt, through the use of contemporary artworks that blur the lines between past and present, offering timeless meditations across a vast timeline.
Participating artists:
- Azza al-Qubaisi – UAE
- JR, Stéphane Breuer – France
- Mohamed Banawy – Egypt
- Rashid al-Khalifa – Bahrain
- Sam Shendi – Egypt/UK
- Rashed al-Shashai – Saudi Arabia
- Pilar Zeta – Argentina
- Dionysios, Costas Varotsos – Greece
- Carol Feuerman – United States
- Sabine Marcelis – Netherlands
- Arne Quinze – Belgium
- Arthur Lescher – Brazil
It is organized by “CulturVator – Egyptian Art”, under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministries of Tourism, Culture and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO.
Founder of “Art D’Espagne”, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, said: “The “Forever Is Now” exhibition has been exceptionally successful in drawing attention to contemporary art since its first edition. This year, the exhibition raises questions about the new era of technology and cultural change the world is experiencing, combining cultural heritage with the rich diversity of contemporary artistic practices.
“The exhibition also highlights the importance of cultural exchange between artists, demonstrating the position of human creativity at the heart of the thrilling history and ancient Egyptian civilization, notably with the presentation of the largest collection of works by art by local and international artists, a step that will undoubtedly contribute to the promotion of Egyptian tourism,” she explained.
“I extend my thanks to all contributors, institutions and official partners for their continued support and assistance to Art of Egypt and their trust in me and the team, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Antiquities , Culture and Egypt. National Commission for UNESCO, Tourism Promotion Authority, main sponsor Talaat Mustafa Group, Dior, our hotel partner Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, Sound and Light, Orascom Pyramids Entertainment, Abou Ghali Motors, Afrexim Bank and our official media partner DMC, Ismailia for Real Estate Investment, Salah El-Din Citadel, BMW, our official carrier EgyptAir, our logistics partner DHL, Orange, Marmonil, our sole lighting partner Signify, Hi -lights Group, Barta & Partners and our partner legal department: Youssef and Partners and Kamel Law Firm, Jazeera Paints, Daghash, Tarek Nour Advertising, our official catering partner Mazmazza, and our entrepreneur partner Linchpin Heft, and our cultural partner Tahrir Cultural Center , and our leather accessories partner Leopelle, and our media partners TV5 Monde, the P:S agency and Mo4 Network,” she added.
The opening began with a guided tour for journalists and media professionals, giving them a first-hand look at the unique artworks on display.
The proud artists enthusiastically explained the meaning and method of their works, made with a variety of materials ranging from stone to fiberglass, all while respecting the environment.
Among these is a geometric sculpture by artist “Dionysios” titled “Meditation on Light,” which uses artificial intelligence technologies. Another distinct piece is Carol Feuerman’s sculpture, “Egyptian Woman in the Form of the Goddess Hathor,” and a special art exhibit by Rashid al-Khalifa features pieces of a labyrinth inspired by the book “Tower of Babel.” written in 1679.
Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy said: “I am very happy to participate in the third edition of the “Forever Is Now” exhibition, which achieved great success both locally and internationally in its two previous editions. It is an exciting adventure to present my artistic work alongside our great civilization in one of the most important archaeological areas in the world.
“My work is entitled “As above, so below”, an expression taken from the emerald tablets written by the god Thoth. It represents keys that speak to us from the realm of the mind, not the realm of the spirit. The material world is a reflection of another world existing in another dimension. Lower Egypt is the Egypt that exists on Earth, where we experience our material world. Upper Egypt is another version of Egypt that exists in an ethereal world, where the negative faiths of the god Ma’at are the laws of balance and harmony that brought the universe out of chaos and darkness and continue to prevent it from falling again.
“As King Zoser looked at the stars of the sky, which never set, regarding them as his ancestors and desiring to join them in the heavens, we must follow our stars until the ethical constraints of Ma’at are revealed in our souls , the essence of virtue that God has deposited in humans,” he said.
French artist “JR” debuts at the event with more than just an exhibition piece: his work “From the Inside Out” is an artistic platform to inspire change. Launched in 2011, it involves people posting black and white portraits of community members in public spaces and has seen the participation of 500,000 people from 12 countries around the world.
“Reflection in Light” by Greek artist Dionysios is an expression of the profound experience he feels the pyramids offer, an experience that goes beyond mere artistry.
“Seeing a part of myself in front of the Pyramids and allowing everyone to see themselves through my work is an emotional experience that leads to life transformation. History meets the future, and I’m already present in that moment. My goal is to create space and conditions for people to communicate with universal values, and the Giza Plateau is one of the most energetic places I have ever visited,” he explained.
“As a Greek artist, I feel a strong connection to my heritage, which is directly linked to the Egyptian heritage. I wanted to create work that transcends eras and cultures, honoring the history of the country that hosts me, through a visual language that represents part of contemporary Egyptian and Greek culture.
“Having the opportunity to present here an artistic work aimed at communicating with the gods is an incredible privilege and a surreal experience for me as an artist and a spectator at the same time,” he added.
Another Greek artist, Costas Varotsos, exhibits “Horizon”, a project dedicated to the Nile and its incomparable importance.
He says: “This new horizon is defined through eight circles in which the world revolves. The celestial dome and the cycle of life expressed through the geometric shape of the circle are concepts linked to the engineering of the pyramids and their history. The importance of artistic work is to establish a connection between all the natural elements of the surroundings. For me, the horizon has always been a prediction of the future, towards something to come, defining the concept of the horizon in space, but at the same time determining the position in relation to life.
Rashid al-Khalifa, from Bahrain, explains his project thus: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the third edition of “Forever Is Now” with my artistic project “Timeless Reality”, inspired by the grandeur of ‘Egypt. The opportunity to present this project in close proximity to one of the ancient wonders of the world, alongside these exceptional artists, is already a dream come true, one that makes me deeply grateful, and I only hope that it feels like a “timeless” space. moment of visualization and interaction with the project, where the past, present and future come together.
American artist Carol Feuerman also explained the significance of her remarkable Hathor statue:
“I created this piece specifically for the third edition of “Forever Is Now” because of my deep passion for the concept it embodies. This work represents my personal interpretation of Hathor, where she is depicted as a contemporary woman embodying the essence of the goddess. Although the similarities between my sculptures and the goddess are not immediately obvious, the resonance I feel with Hathor is strong.
“My artistic talent lies in presenting realistic sculptures of women celebrating their natural beauty and opulence. In these sculptures, I diligently strive to depict the fluidity that reminds us of water, just as Hathor is also associated with water. water, fertility, love, beauty, music, joy and motherhood. I sought to honor Hathor through this sculpture.
Saudi artist Rashed al-Shashai said: “The artistic project I present, prepared specifically for the site, represents a dance between the past and the present, blurring the lines between traditional and modern and renewing our perceptions of art , heritage, science, and sustainable practices. Titled “The Transparent Pyramid” and using the material of palm leaves, an ancient Egyptian craft, to pay homage to the history of the pyramids, while offering a contemporary interpretation of their impact on our development processes in our region, and affirming the value of preserving traditional methods alongside innovation and creativity.
“The project aims to encourage the public to think about the potential of sustainable practices in contemporary art and design, and it considers the human aspect of heritage and the dedication that has always carried it. It is a deliberate homage to the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of sustainable practices.
Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis explained the meaning of “Ra”, a work which she said was inspired by the majesty of the sun and the ancient Egyptian cult of it. It also holds personal significance for her as the birthplace of the sundial.
Frenchman Stéphane Breuer was delighted to share his project “Temple •I•”, a floating golden triangle intended to invoke a divine presence that sends the viewer into a contemplative state, which enriches them spiritually.
Egyptian-British artist Sam Shendi presents “The Phantom Temple,” a physical representation of how ancient Egypt forever altered its land and human history, inspiring generations and generations to come.
Argentina’s Pilar Zeta explained that her work “Mirror Gate” was born from her love for Egyptian culture and its mystical elements. His works represent a gateway to the past, combining ancient mythological symbolism with modern elements.
Emirati artist Azza al-Qubaisi offers her own “treasures”. She explained that her project represents the relationship between the desert and its cultural past. Nestled between the sand dunes, visitors approaching the pyramids will wander between the room and the dunes in a reflective journey.
“The Gateway of Light,” by Belgian artist Arne Quinze, explores the dynamic power of the sun and the important role it played in ancient Egyptian society as the giver of all life. Its specific location was chosen to provide a secluded view of a pyramid, he explained, taking advantage of the ancient axial lines to provide a unique artistic experience.
And even though Brazilian artist Arthur Lescher was unable to attend this year, his work “The Observatory” still managed to get there. Lescher explains that the aim of his project is to explore humanity’s relationship with the universe, with the pyramids being one of the most profound examples of this ancient question.
