Art… in a Minute
Brought to you by Dina Fahmy El Rouby
Discover the work of Zakareya El Zeiny (1932–1993), one of the leading figures of modern Egyptian art, despite having lived in Italy for several years. A graduate of Cairo’s Faculty of Fine Arts who later became a professor and Head of its Painting Department, El Zeiny developed a distinctive visual language characterized by simplified human forms, expressive symbolism, and a synthesis of abstraction and expressionism. Drawing inspiration from Egyptian popular traditions and everyday life, his paintings transform familiar figures and motifs into symbolic compositions that invite multiple interpretations while reflecting his unique artistic vision.
This striking painting, is one of his most complex works; carrying a powerful, political message. The artwork presents either a scarecrow or potentially a ruling figure rising above a crowd of solemn, anonymous faces. In the group of faceless figures, we see that some are only beginning to emerge, some are partially visible, and others seem unwilling to see what’s happening around them.
Artist: Zakareya El Zeiny (1932–1993)
Media: oil on canvas
Size: 88 x 115 cm