The art scene in Egypt, like basically every other in the country, suffers from a lack of appreciation. Not enough exhibits, not enough funding for local artists and not enough recognition by the state all add to the problem. That’s why Arts-Mart came to play.
Arts-Mart is an online platform on which artist can display their work and clients can view and purchase pieces. It aims to simplify the process of art viewing and buying. It bridges the gap between what the art scene in Egypt is like now and what it should be.
We talked to co-founders Dina Shaaban and Lina Mowafy and artists Ibrahim El Tambouli and Yasser Rostom at the recent Arts-Mart 2014 Season Finale exhibition about Egypt’s burgeoning art world and Arts-Mart’s place in it.
Dina Shaaban, Co-founder of Arts-Mart
When did Arts-Mart launch?
One year ago.
Why did you start Arts-Mart?
I studied economics when I was in college, but my heart was always in art. Of course I couldn’t major just in art because we were raised to think of art as merely a hobby. However, I did manage to get an arts degree, as well. It was only a matter of time until I realized I want art to be more than just a hobby. I started talking to Lina, and together we came up with the idea of Arts-Mart.
Why did you choose for it to be online, not a physical store?
We just thought that we will reach a bigger number of people that way. The art scene in Egypt is enclosed in a certain circle of the same people. By going online, we thought we would have a wider pool of clients. We will open a physical store soon, though. We also want to hold more events per year, as we currently have only two.
Has Arts-Mart reached the goals you set before?
Honestly, it surpassed our expectations. We are very happy of what our community has become to be.
Ibrahim El Tambouli, Artist
What inspires you when it comes to painting?
I never sit down and plan when I will paint something. I see something, hear something, feel something that moves me, and then I go paint whatever I felt and translate it on the canvas.
In your opinion, what is the greatest thing about art?
It’s a universal language. Anyone, no matter where they’re from, can get it. However, everyone translates it differently based on what they’ve been through and what they feel at that moment.
What do you think about the art scene in Egypt?
It’s nowhere where it should be. We need to see a major improvement in educating people about art, and in appreciating artists.
Where do you think we should start?
The state is not expected to do anything soon, so initiatives like Arts-Mart are a great start. They expose art to a wider audience, and in a simple way. Therefore people get to know more about local artists.
You’ve exhibited abroad a lot. How do you find the performance of Egyptian artists outside Egypt?
They’re perceived with utmost respect. People in Germany, for example, were really impressed with the quality that Egyptian artists delivered. However, they were surprised that we have an art scene in the first place.
Yasser Rostom, Artist
Your paintings are the most sexually explicit in the exhibition.
Yes, I believe that you can trace everything in life, every issue, back to sex. I think it’s the base of everything. Even in my more politically-inspired paintings, you can still find sexual references.
Does this cause a challenge in your sales?
Yes. A lot of people make a point of telling me how beautiful, or how truthful, a certain painting of mine is. However, a lot of them don’t buy it, as they can’t display it in their homes, for example. But this is who I am, and this is my style.
Tell me more about the two paintings on display.
In the West, they have this notion that men wear the pants in any relationship here. While that may appear to be true, it is actually the woman who controls the man, especially in terms of mentality. She can tame four men at the same time, effortlessly.
Lina Mowafy, Artist and Co-founder of Arts-Mart
We want to hear your side of the story.
Well, my side of the story is a bit different, as I am a professional artist. However, my work is not your typical “sha3by” art. People here have always told me that my work is not Egyptian enough, that people won’t relate to it. I was kind of frustrated at how reserved the art scene was in Egypt. This is why I jumped at the idea of Arts-Mart immediately.
But the eyes of the people in your paintings are very Egyptian.
Yes, of course, because I grew up here. These are the people I’m touched by, and see every day.
I see that you only have two paintings displayed. You would expect the co-founder to dedicate more space for her work!
(laughs) Yes, well, I didn’t want to hog the show.
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