tour art d'égypte: the desert sculpture garden backdropped by giza pyramids

forever is now iii opens in giza

Art D’Égypt celebrates the opening of Forever is Now III, the third annual desert exhibition backdropped by the Pyramids of Giza. This landmark event, founded by Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, is the first and only contemporary art exhibition to take place at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity for the public to experience the ancient and modern in dialogue — read designboom’s recent interview with the show’s founder here!

This year’s sculpture exhibition brings together fourteen local and international artists, including JR and Sabine Marcelis. Through their diverse practices, the artists trace the continuity of themes that stretch from our ancient past to the present day, while paying homage to the continued ingenuity of human civilization. Forever is Now III by Art D’Égypte will run from October 26th until November 18th, 2023.

The Ghost Temple by Sam Shendi | image ©️ AFP

art d’égypte in pictures

Egyptian-British artist Sam Shendi presents the ‘The Phantom Temple’ at Art D’Égypt’s Forever is Now. The artwork explores the imprint which ancient Egyptian civilization left on the land and how imagination can transport the viewer beyond time. His sculptural work is a link between the past and the future, and is designed to fit within any artistic context. The artist notes that his sculptures are ‘vibrant reflections of the human condition.’

Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis unveils her piece ‘Ra’ at Forever is Now III. Her installation is inspired by the sun, a sentiment influenced by the important site, which the artist notes is the birthplace of the sundial. Thus, her work not only represents a sundial but also harnesses the power of the sun, transforming it into energy. This reflects her deep respect for ancient Egyptian culture and their reverence for the sun god Ra.

Ra by Sabine Marcelis | image ©️ Kollectiv

Greek artist Costas Varotsos presents ‘Horizon,’ which examines the relationship between the Nile River and the Giza Plateau, emphasizing its significance for the world. He says, ‘This new horizon is defined through eight circles in which the world revolves. The celestial dome and the cycle of life expressed through the geometric shape of the circle are concepts related to the engineering of the pyramids and their history.

‘The importance of the artistic work is to establish a connection between all the natural elements of the surrounding area. For me, the horizon has always been a prediction of the future, towards something coming, defining the concept of the horizon in space, but at the same time determining the position toward life.’

Horizon by Costas Varotsos | image ©️ Kollectiv

French street artist JR will debut ‘From the Inside Out’ at the Art D’Égypte Forever is Now III exhibition. The project is a global platform that empowers communities to defend their values and incite local and global change through public art. JR will present a site-specific installation at the Pyramids of Giza that invites visitors to reflect on the power of art to amplify voices and promote social justice.

Inside Out Giza 2022/2023 by JR | image ©️ MO4
‘Lupine Aurora’ by Arne Quinze | image ©️ AFP

Treasures by Azza Al Qubaisi | image ©️ Kollectiv

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Meditation On Light by Dionysios | image © AFP

Observatory Meta Oiko by Artur Lescher | image © AFP

Translucent Pyramid by Rashed Al Shashai | images © AFP

As Above So Below (Dome Of Starry Sky) by Mohamed Banawy | image © AFP

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

Mirror Gate by Pilar Zeta | image © AFP

project info:

exhibition title: Forever is Now III

organizer: CulturVator / Art D’Egypte | @artdegypte

location: Pyramids at Giza, Egypt

founder: Nadine Abdel Ghaffar

on view: October 25th — November 17th, 2023

photography: © AFP, Kollectiv

participating artists: Arne Quinze, Arthur Lescher, Azza Al-Qubaisi, Carol Feuerman, Dionysios, Costas Varotsos, JR, Stéphane Breuer, Mohamed Banawy, Pilar Zeta, Rashid Al Khalifa, Rashed Al Shashai, Sabine Marcelis, Sam Shendi