The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

January 2011 is an exciting month for the Cairo arts and culture scene,
especially with these very intriguing exhibitions currently showing around
town. Here is a list of our recommended highlights:

Showing Now

Asuncion Molinos
at Contemporary Image Collective (CIC): Titled ‘Untitled 3 (WAM)
World Museum of Agriculture’, this exhibition by Townhouse’s artist-in-residence
Asuncion Molinos takes a look at the aesthetics of the Agriculture Museum in Cairo in parallel with the ongoing transformation of museums in a
contemporary, international context. Molinos references the old-style
techniques of museums to discuss new processes of food production and the
cultural impact within. To have some background, head to the Agriculture Museum
in Cairo before checking it out! The exhibition ends on January 31st.For
more information on the artist, check out the artist’s website.

Coptic Art
Revealed at Amir Taz Palace: Consider this a traveling exhibition that is rich
with a deep history often forgotten when compared to the popularity of the
pharaonic period. Coptic artwork has
been collected from eight different museums across Egypt and assimilated into
an exhibition at the beautiful Amir Taz Palace. After extensive renovations,
the palace is currently filled to the brim with ancient artifacts and
intriguing works of art. The exhibition is organised well, allowing the
educational material to be easily read and understood. The exhibition ends on January 31st. Click here for an in-depth review.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Georges Bahgory at
Al Masar Gallery: One of Egypt’s most beloved contemporary artists will
host a much-awaited solo exhibition at Al Masar Gallery on January 16th. His
years of study and practice between Cairo and Paris have earned Bahgory his status as one of the most accomplished and revered artists of his time. With his various painting styles, lithographs and famous
caricatures, Bahgory’s keen eye for aesthetics combined with his
thought-provoking commentary make for a great experience. This exhibition
at Al Masar Gallery will only be testament to that. A few of his pieces are part of the permanent
collection at the Museum of Modern
Art; so head there beforehand to get a taste of his work. February 7th
is the last day of the exhibition.

Ibrahim El Haddad
at Mashrabia Gallery: Also opening on January 16th is a
unique exhibition at Mashrabia Gallery in Downtown Cairo. Ibrahim El Haddad is a local contemporary
artist, who will display his latest collection of both small
and large paintings. Haddad’s work reveals a sense of the abstract while the feminine subject is a recurrent element featured in his paintings. The
exhibition will continue until February 10th.