Essmat Dawestashy's exhibition at Picasso East gallery is a must see - Exhibitions - Al-Ahram Weekly
New Cairo Campus
Sharjah Art Gallery
"Solidarity Now" is the AUC Visual Arts Programme's second annual juried Visual Arts Open Exhibition on the theme solidarity now. Co-curated by Lara Baladi and Bassem Yousri, the exhibition draws inspiration from the 1978 International Art Exhibition for Palestine. It delves into contemporary interpretations of solidarity in its various forms—personal, political and universal. It features works from the AUC students across various majors, selected through an open call to address the theme creatively, highlighting how we unite, support and uplift one another in today's world. Participating artists among many others are Salma Abdelmoneim, Balqis Al-Jallad, Mark Ayman, Al-Hassan Ali Bataher, Salah Eddine Boulenouar, Madiha El-Naggar, Farah El-Shawarby, Maya El-Sherbiny, Nancy Faisal, Jana Hassan, and the Visual Arts Student Association (4 December-1 March).
New Cairo Campus, Abdul Latif Jameel Hall, Plaza Level, Tel 02 2615 3318
The Photographic Gallery
"Yemen: A Fractured Reality", an exhibition by award-winning photojournalist Asmaa Waguih. The exhibition focuses on the people of Yemen who are caught up in a tragic civil war. This new exhibition is a sequel to the gallery's series of photographic shows that highlight contemporary visual media from global conflict zones (13 February- 13 March).
Austrian Cultural Forum
1103 Cornishe El-Nile, Garden City, 1st floor, apt 7, next to Shepheard Hotel, Cairo
"Finding Motherland" exhibition by Austrian artist and photographer Franzi Kreis brings together intimate stories of mothers from Egypt and Austria - told through the voices of their daughters. The exhibition also includes a behind-the-scenes video by filmmaker Lukas Beck, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind the project (closing 23 February).
Bibliothek
Arkan Plaza, Extension of Sheikh Zayed District, Giza, Tel 010 66860098/010 66500748
"Figures and Forms" exhibition of bronze sculptures by Mohamed Abla. This exhibition will feature a collection of special bronze sculptures. A medium deeply rooted in art history, bronze allows for intricate detail and timeless expression—qualities Abla explores in his transition from painting to sculpture (9-28 February).
Cairo Opera Complex
Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Zamalek
Salah Taher gallery
Tel 02 2739 0132/0144
Exhibition of murals and pottery by artist Salha El-Masry
(18-27 February).
Duroub
4 Amrika Al-Latiniya St, Garden City, Tel 02 2796 2881/ 2794 7951
"Ecadoli" exhibition of paintings by Fatemah Hassan
(closing 20 February).
Gezira Arts Centre
1 Al-Sheikh Al-Marsafi St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2737 3298
"Farouk Hosni Foundation" group exhibition in its sixth round showcases photography, architecture, sculpture, and photography (closing 20 February).
Italian/Egyptian Centre for Restoration and Antiquities (CIERA)
31 Al Suyuffeya St, Al Helmeya, Cairo, visitors are welcomed by appointments so contact the manager Mr. Salah Ramadan 0100 8716067
Architectural complex of the Mevlevi Dervish 'Samaa Khana, Restorations and Restorers' permanent exhibition of the activities of the working/formation sites for the restoration and recovery of the monuments. Visitors are welcomed during the opening hours determined by the Ministry of Antiquities.
AL MASAR
Behler's Mansion, 157b, 26 July St, ground floor, Zamalek, Tel 02 2736 8537/0100 067 0705
"The Desert…A Mirror of Life" exhibition of painting by Ghada Mourad (closing 27 February).
Al Mashhad
23 b Ismail Mohamed St, off Abu El-Feda, Zamalek, 01211100727
Exhibition by icon of Egyptian surrealism in the last third of the twentieth century and the beginning of the third millennium Mohamed Riad Said (2 February-27 March).
Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art
15 Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Downtown, Cairo, Tel 02 2578 4494,
open daily from 11am to 8pm except Fridays
"My Favourite Things 9" annual group exhibition is promoting and supporting up and coming women artists in Egypt. Its main aim is to guarantee for women to have a permanent and safe space, for exposure and free expression, maintaining a high artistic quality based on originality and innovative thought. This year's selection includes around 18 female artists, most of them participating for the first time (16 February- 26 March).
Misr
4A Ibn Zankai St, from Hassan Sabri, Zamalek, Tel 02 2735 0604
"Ballots to Bullets" exhibition of painting by the renowned Lebanese artist Tagreed Darghouth (closing 20 February).
Odyssey
8 Al-Sheikh Al-Marsafi St, Zamalek, Cairo, Tel 012 78907589
"Symphony of Colours" exhibition of painting by Randa Fouad, who is blending natural materials with bold, vibrant colours that vividly express her emotions (16-27 February).
Picasso
30 Hassan Assem off Brazil St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2736 7544
Hall I
"Mythology" exhibition of paintings by Mostafa Rahma
(2-28 February).
Hall II
"Echoes of Serenity" photography exhibition by Romany Hafez (2-28 February).
Picasso East
Villa No 39 Al Narges 35th settlement, 90's St, in front of Lake View Compound, New Cairo, Tel 0122 0000035
"Essmat Dawestashy and his Collectibles" an exhibition of painting by Essmat Dawestashy (4- 28 February).
Safarkhan
6 Brazil St, Zamalek, Tel 012 70169291
An exhibition showcases the latest collection of Egypt's foremost abstract artist Ahmed Farid (4 February- 4 March).
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Margo Veillon Gallery of Modern Egyptian Art and Oriental Hall
"Reflections of the Nile (or The Nile through Swiss Eyes)" is an exhibition displaying the mesmerizing photography of Swiss artist Margo Veillon (1907–2003). Her work captures the beauty and vitality of the Nile as it winds through Egypt—from Aswan and Luxor to Meniya and Cairo. The exhibition not only honors Veillon's artistic legacy but also sparks a meaningful dialogue about water's critical role in our lives and the urgency of its preservation. By blending art with advocacy, it inspires a collective commitment to sustainable water policies and the protection of this invaluable resource for future generations (18 February-15 March).
TAM
District 5, Marakek, New Katamya, Cairo Sokhna Road, before Master Express Gas Station, entrance from Gate 3, weekdays (Sun-Thurs), 10am-6pm, Tel 01000773860
"The Fields of Iaru" solo exhibition by Egyptian contemporary artist Alaa Abul Hamd. Inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology, this body of work reimagines the Fields of Iaru—not as a distant paradise, but as an eternal homeland where souls find peace and love transcends time (14 February- 30 March).
UBUNTU
20 Hassan Sabry St, (entrance from Ibn Zinki St), Zamalek, Tel 0100 2792223
First Floor
"Level Four" a group exhibition showcasing a selection of graduation projects by 17 artists from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University (Class of 2024). Participating artists: Ahmed Refaat, Amira Khalil, Asmaa Habib, Aya Tarek, Basma Hossam, Fady George, Haidy Hesham, Joyce Emad, and many more (10 February - 8 May).
Ground Floor
"Man Passes There through Forests of Symbols" exhibition of drawing by Mahmoud Talaat. Drawing inspiration from his daily experiences, the city's fabric, and human experiences, Mahmoud seeks to incorporate multiple dimensions and layers into his artworks (10 February - 8 March).
Yassin art gallery
159, 26th July St, Behind Diwan Bookstore, Zamalek, Tel 01271170035
"An Exceptional Selection" group show features 23 pioneer artists (3 - 25 February).
ALEXANDRIA
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Port Said St, Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999
BACC, East and West Exhibition Halls
"Agenda" annual exhibition's 18th session features Egyptian artists from all over the country. They present many diverse techniques that reflect their belonging to different generations. This session honors the names of the artists who have passed away and left their creativity among us as evidence of their continued presence, they are Vahan Telpian and Mustafa El-Feki. The guests of honor this year are veteran artists: Serria Sedky, Azza Abul-Souad and Mervat El-Suwaifi (closing 22 February).
Archeological Museum
A permanent exhibition on the results of the Archaeological Mission of the University of Turin in Nelson Island.
Goethe Institute
Basaria Art Gallery, 40 Fouad St, El Atrein, Alexandria
"Climate x Arts" exhibition is about climate change as a reality we are witnessing now and its effects are tangible. The Goethe-Institute Alexandria invited five artists in Alexandria to discuss and understand the most important issues of climate change and its impact on the city of Alexandria now and in the future.
The results of the discussion and learning sessions are shown in the exhibition. Artists: Rana Salama (drawing), Rogina Tarek (film), Hassan Ghoneim (photography), Amr Ali (visual installation), and Abanoub Adel (visual installation)
(19 February- 3 March, visiting hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 7pm).
* A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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