The annual international art exhibition “Forever Is Now” has launched its third edition at the Pyramids of Giza.
The event invites 14 artists from across the world to express their artistic vision of the Giza pyramids and ancient Egypt, through the use of contemporary artworks that blurs the lines between past and present, providing 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 – US
- Sabine Marcelis – Netherlands
- Arne Quinze – Belgium
- Arthur Lescher – Brazil
It is organized by “CulturVator – Art D’Egypte”, under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministries of Tourism, Culture and Foreign Affairs, alongside the the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO.
The founder of “Art D’Egypte”, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, said “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.”
“The exhibition also highlights the importance of cultural exchange among artists, demonstrating the position of human creativity at the heart of pulsating history and ancient Egyptian civilization, especially with the presentation of the largest collection of artworks by local and international artists, a step that will undoubtedly contribute to promoting Egyptian tourism,” she explained.
“I extend my thanks to all the contributors, institutions, and official partners for their continuous support and assistance to Art of Egypte and their belief in me and the team, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Antiquities, Culture, and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, the Tourism Promotion Authority, the 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 logistic partner DHL, Orange, Marmonil, our sole lighting partner Signify, Hi-lights Group, Barta & Partners and our legal partners: Youssef and Partners and Kamel Law Firm, Jazeera Paints, Daghash, Tarek Nour Advertising, our official catering partner Mazmazza, and our contractor partner Linchpin Heft, and our cultural partner Tahrir Cultural Center, and our leather accessories partner Leopelle, and our media partners TV5 Monde, P:S agency, and Mo4 Network,” she added.
The opening began with a tour for media journalists and professionals, giving them a first-hand look at the unique artwork at display.
The proud artists eagerly explained the meaning and method behind their works, made with a variety of materials from stone to fiberglass, all in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Amongst these is a geometric sculpture by the artist ‘Dionysios’ titled “Meditation on Light”, which utilizes artificial intelligence technologies. Another distinct piece is Carol Feuerman’s sculpture, “Egyptian Woman in the Form of the Goddess Hathor”, and a peculiar art display by Rashid al-Khalifa features pieces of a labyrinth inspired by the “Tower of Babel” book written in 1679.
Egyptian artist Mohamed Banawy said, “I am very pleased to participate in the third edition of the ‘Forever Is Now’ exhibition, which has achieved great success on both the local and international levels in its previous two editions. It’s an exciting adventure to showcase my artistic work alongside our great civilization in one of the most significant archaeological areas in the world.”
“My work is titled ‘As Above, As Below,’ the phrase that came from the emerald tablets written by the god Thoth. It represents keys that speak to us from the realm of the spirit, not from the realm of the mind. 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 confessions of the god Ma’at are the laws of balance and harmony that brought the universe out of chaos and darkness and continue to uphold it from falling again.”
“As King Zoser looked at the stars of the sky, which never set, considering them 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 the god deposited within humans,” he said.
Greek artist Dionysios’s “Reflection in Light” is an expression for the profound experience he feels the Pyramids offer, one 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 a transformation in life. The history meets the future, and I am already present during that moment. My goal is to create a space and conditions that enable 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 close connection to my heritage, which is directly intertwined with Egyptian heritage. I wanted to create a work that transcends time frames and cultures, honoring the history of the country that hosts me, through a visual language that represents a part of contemporary Egyptian and Greek culture.”
“Having the opportunity to present an artistic work aimed at communicating with the gods here is an incredible privilege and a surreal experience for me as both an artist and a spectator at the same time,” he added.
Another Greek artist, Costas Varotsos, exhibits “Horizon,” a project all about the Nile River 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 related to the engineering of the pyramids and their history. The importance of the artistic work is to establish a connection between all the natural elements of the surrounding area. For me, the horizon has always been a prediction of the future, towards something coming, defining the concept of the horizon in space, but at the same time determining the position toward life.”
Bahrain’s Rashid al-Khalifa explains his project as such: “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 greatness of Egypt. The possibility to present this project near one of the ancient wonders of the world, alongside these outstanding artists, is already a dream come true, making me feel deeply appreciative, and I only hope that one feels as if they are in a ‘timeless’ moment when viewing and interacting with the project, where the past, present, and future come together.”
American artist Carol Feuerman also explained the meaning behind her striking Hathor statue:
“I specifically created this piece for the third edition of ‘Forever Is Now’ due to my deep passion for the concept it embodies. This artwork represents my personal interpretation of Hathor, where she is depicted as a contemporary woman embodying the essence of the goddess. While the similarities between my sculptures and the goddess may not be immediately evident, the resonance I feel with Hathor is strong.”
“My artistic talent lies in presenting realistic sculptures of women celebrating their natural beauty and opulence, and in these sculptures, I strive diligently to represent the fluidity that reminds us of water, just as Hathor is also associated with water, fertility, love, beauty, music, joy, and motherhood. I sought to honor Hathor through this sculpture.”
Saudi artist Rashed al-Shashai stated, “The art 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 fronds, an ancient craft from Egypt, to pay tribute to the history of the pyramids, while providing 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 audience to think about the potential for sustainable practices in contemporary art and design, and it contemplates the human aspect of heritage and the dedication that has always carried it. It serves as a deliberate tribute to the eternal legacy of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of sustainable practices.”
The Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis explained the meaning behind “Ra”, a piece she says is inspired by the majesty of the sun and ancient Egypt’s worship of it. It holds personal significance for her as the birthplace of the sundial as well.
France’s Stéphane Breuer was excited to share his project “Temple •I•”, a golden floating triangle meant to invoke a divine presence that sends viewers into a contemplative state, one that spiritually enriches them.
Argentina’s Pilar Zeta explained that her work “Mirror Gate” was borne from her love of Egyptian culture and its mystical elements. Her artwork represents a gateway to the past, combining ancient mythological symbolism with modern elements.
UAE artist Azza al-Qubaisi is offering up “Treasures” of her own. She explained that her project represents the relationship between the desert and its cultural past. Nestled between sand dunes, visitors who approach the Pyramids will walk between the piece 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 an isolated view of a Pyramid, he explained, taking advantage of the ancient axial lines to provide a unique artistic experience.
And though Brazilian artist Arthur Lescher was unable to attend this year, his work “The Observatory” still managed to make it in. Lescher explains that the goal of his project is to explore mankind’s relationship with the universe, with the Pyramids serving as one of the most profound examples of this ancient question.
