The Artistic Marvels Within Egypt's Pyramids

A major outdoor art exhibition on the plateau overlooking the ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt showcases the work of 14 international contemporary artists. These artists have created site-specific installations that respond to the iconic monuments. The exhibition, titled "Forever Is Now III," is the largest edition to date and is organized by Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, the founder and curator of Cairo-based arts firm Art DÉgypte. The event aims to celebrate ancient Egyptian culture through contemporary creativity. Visitors can experience a new pyramid structure made of wicker and glass sculptures that give the illusion of floating ancient pyramids on water. The exhibition will run until 18 November.

A sculptural steel installation by Brazil-based artist Artur Lescher functions as an observation instrument for visitors.

Ghaffar, speaking from Cairo via video call, mentioned that each year, Art DÉgypte collaborates with UNESCO to ensure that the exhibition does not cause any harm to the 4500-year-old world heritage site. To protect the site, the artworks are placed on a layer of imported sand, preventing them from coming into direct contact with the ground. This year, the artworks explore various themes related to the pyramids, including mythology, spirituality, technical innovation, and architecture, showcasing a vibrant dialogue with this ancient civilization.

Is this modern art? A grape soda fountain, a moonbounce, and an electric fan? Mexico City-based Argentinian artist Pilar Zeta has created "Mirror Gate." This artwork features a limestone portal adorned with gold and iridescent blue spheres, topped by a pyramidal apex. Below the portal, there is a checkerboard pathway leading to a mirrored egg on a plinth. Zeta explains that she has always been captivated by the Pyramids of Giza and the ancient Egyptian culture, with its mysticism and enigmas. According to her, the pyramids are the most sacred sculptures on planet Earth.

Egyptian Woman in the Form of the Goddess Hathor by Carole A. Feuerman

Zetas installation, resembling a combination of a surrealist painting and a postmodernist film set, is brimming with profound symbolism. The portal signifies connections spanning through time, while the shimmering blue color alludes to the scarab beetle, a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. Additionally, the mirrored egg embodies the cosmic egg found in Egyptian mythology, which represents creation. By utilizing various materials, such as natural limestone and painted metal, the artists strive to merge the ancient and modern worlds. The limestone reflects the construction of the pyramids, while the painted metal pays homage to our contemporary post-industrial society.

Materials with meaning

Dutch artist-designer Sabine Marcelis also emphasized the symbolic significance of materials in her sculpture "RA," a sundial structure that is named after the ancient Egyptian sun god. Marcelis explained via email that she chose glass for this artwork as a way to honor the origins of both the sundial and the material itself, which can be traced back to Egypt. She further highlighted the connection to Egypt by drawing attention to how even the pyramids served as a type of sundial.

TEMPLE •I• by French artist Stephan Breuer French presents an inverted golden triangle that seemingly floats in space.

The tall, rectangular sculpture creates captivating shadows on the sand throughout the day. However, at night, the installation takes on a whole new dimension with the help of innovative technology. Embedded within the glass are solar cells that capture the sun's energy, charging a battery within the artwork. As a result, the installation becomes a self-sustaining off-grid system, illuminating itself with its own lighting during the night.

The Afrobeats superstar is dedicated to elevating the prominence of African art.

In "Horizon" by Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos, glass plays a crucial role. The artwork consists of a sequence of metal circles partially filled with glass, arranged linearly. By creating the illusion that the pyramids are positioned on water, the artwork underscores the connection between the monuments and the Nile river on the distant horizon.

Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis used glass for her sundial sculpture "RA", named after the ancient Egyptian sun god.

"Translucent Pyramid," created by Saudi artist Rashed Al-Shashai, introduces a new addition to the plateau - a towering pyramid measuring 6 meters in height. Crafted from wicker crates, this artwork pays homage to the traditional art of wicker weaving in Egypt while promoting the principles of sustainability and heritage-driven approaches in modern design.

Egyptian-born British sculptor Sam Shendi presents "The Ghost Temple", an architectural installation featuring intricate geometric steel forms in a vibrant red hue. This awe-inspiring artwork embodies the remnants of an ancient temple, serving as a captivating portal for visitors to walk through. It pays homage to the timeless art of architecture and the harmonious interplay of geometry, which laid the foundation for the majestic pyramids.

Emirati jewelry artist Azza Al Qubaisi introduces "Treasures", a steel sculpture that beckons visitors to immerse themselves within its captivating structure. Inspired by the undulating patterns found in the surrounding desert landscape, this piece ripples with a mesmerizing flow. As one moves through its captivating contours, they are led towards a magnificent central pyramid structure, culminating in a glorious golden apex.

"Horizon" is a line of metal circles designed by renowned Greek sculptor, Costas Varotsos. These circles are half-filled with glass and carefully arranged to create a visually captivating display. The artwork cleverly gives the illusion that pyramids are floating on water, highlighting the significance of the connection between these ancient monuments and the majestic Nile river on the horizon.

Artist and Bahraini royal family member, Rashid Al Khalifa, has designed an extraordinary art series titled "Reality is Timeless". This collection showcases exquisite copper and brass structures that elegantly emerge from the ground at different angles. The sculptures are reminiscent of archaeological fragments within a captivating labyrinth. Each structure is intricately adorned with perforated motifs, inspired by historic diagrams of the ancient Egyptian labyrinth.

French photographer JR's project "Inside Out Giza" continues in the latest edition of Forever is Now. In the exhibition, he displays a collection of black and white large-scale portraits that were captured in a photo booth installed for visitors in a previous year. The portraits are laid out on the plateau in front of the pyramids. Ghaffar, the curator, reflects on the exhibition, describing the ancient pyramid complex as a symbol of hope for humanity. She highlights the resilience of the pyramids, which have endured wars and pandemics, and still hold secrets. Ghaffar believes that this hope should be shared with everyone, and this unique art exhibition aims to achieve just that.