Art Empowers is a platform that aims to, as the name suggests, empower artists and art enthusiasts, hosting events that not only highlight local talent, but also advocate for a cause. On the 2nd of February 2021, Mohamed Abla opened his personal art studio to Art Empowers for the very first time. The mission and vision? To find ways to collaborate between art and digital media, and how they can be merged to move forward.
Mohamed Abla’s exclusive show showcased rare and unseen work from his previous collections. Not only that, but it also included the work of 20 aspiring artists who have been mentored by Abla during The Studio Masterclass. The exhibit also included a panel discussion about “Art & New Age Media”, a discussion on the different perspectives of a world-leading artist like Abla.
Attending the discussion was art entrepreneur and co-founder of Art Empowers, Shaymaa Hesham, and Sabrina Khalil, co-founder and Chief of Content at Scoop Empire. They discussed how modern age media is positively shaping the art scene in Egypt, where it can lead us, and how digital media can put us on the map.
The Artist Himself – Mohamed Abla
Abla is an iconic Egyptian artist known for painting abstract scenes from around Egypt. One of his core beliefs is the need to unite people and promote peace through art, something we can all stand behind!
The studio tour walks you through different phases of Abla’s art journey. His studio at Art Empowers consisted of different rooms, with each room presenting a theme related to his professional life, from his students and library, to this thoughts, clutter, and origins. Keep scrolling for a behind-the-scenes look at each room and the story behind it!
My Beginning “Bedayti” – a collection of his first works back from his youth.
My Clutter “Karakeby” – a collection of old records, TVs, radios, and other vintage objects.
My Thoughts “Afkary” – sketches and explanations of the process of creation.
My Library “Maktabty” – a huge collection of books that he has read that inspired his art.
My Students “Talameezy” – showcasing the work of his students that attended his classes and courses.
Held at a vintage, eastern looking studio, it was truely an inspiring and beautiful exhibition. People of different backgrounds and tastes attended and it was packed with thought-provoking pieces of art, from books to paintings and personal belongings. Sincere authenticity is the main theme of Abla’s narrative studio and we’re all about it!