This was one of the largest art events in the world. A dazzling contemporary art exhibition was held at the Pyramids of Egypt, attracting guests from around the globe, including Greek VIPs. The official dinner even featured an art table set by Greeks.
Art D’Égypte was founded by the French-Egyptian, Greece enthusiast, and curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar as a private multidisciplinary organization aimed at supporting Egyptian arts and cultural initiatives. This initiative has quickly become a powerhouse in the Egyptian cultural calendar with a variety of projects across many fields.
Just a few days ago, art lovers, entrepreneurs, and fashion figures experienced the magic of this extravaganza under the theme “Forever is Now.”
Among the sand dunes, with views of the ancient Pyramids of Giza, a grand outdoor art exhibition showcased 10 works by international contemporary artists, featuring installations that responded to the iconic monuments, including alternative pyramids, scenes, and even colorful desert flowers.
These breathtaking works captivated those who dared to break from their busy schedules and travel to the homeland of Cleopatra and the Pharaohs.
The use of unconventional materials further underscores Egypt’s philosophy, reminding us that, like archaeology, art requires attention to the unexpected and the courage to celebrate the tangible.
Last year, the event featured a sculpture by the renowned Kostas Varotsos, while this year was dominated by two artists who live in Greece and have made international careers—Nasia Igglesi (STUDIO INI), known for her sculptures that take shape and transform through human interaction. Her sculpture in Giza invites viewers to journey into the past of the Ancient Egyptians and envision a future monument that unites humanity with technology.
Misha Cattaui also participated. The soft-spoken artist, who has exhibited his work in various parts of the world, began his interesting journey quite differently. Son of Maria Livanos Cattaui from a well-known shipping family, he was born and raised in Switzerland and studied in the USA, where he was nurtured. Misha Cattaui is not your average artist.
He provocatively engages with today’s issues through his works—whether they are sculptures or photographs—creating a constructive dialogue about current events.
In Egypt for this original exhibition were some Greeks, including Magda Baltogianni, once a collaborator of Fernando Botero and an art figure, businessman Takis Kanellopoulos, and the distinguished archaeologist Kalliopi Papakosta, director of the Hellenic Institute—Alexandrian Cultural Foundation, among others.
And of course, the fashion world was represented by figures such as Angela Missoni, the creative director of the renowned fashion house of the same name, until recently.
The exhibition “Forever is Now” by Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, who also has a home in Greece, surely included a visit to the Library of Alexandria.
Cairo and Alexandria are just a short drive apart.
The art de la table brought the two cultures and their countries closer together.
Themis Zouganeli took charge of setting the tables, which featured gourmet Arab delicacies but exuded the Greek aesthetic that she and her exceptional products embody.
Greeks and foreigners experienced something magical in Egypt!
