“THROUGH ANCIENT EYES” REDA ABDEL RAHMAN
Reda’s Statement: The influence of the ancient Egyptian art with its symbols, myths, legends and stories, is very clear in all aspects my work. I rely on simple materials such as pigments and acrylic paints, and use the same techniques the ancient Egyptians used to paint their temples and tombs. In this collection I try to portray how my ancestor, the ancient Egyptian artist, would depict our modern day society with all its current issues and problems.
Reda Abdel Rahman, one of Egypt’s leading contemporary artists was born in Ismailia, Egypt and studied at the University of Minya at the College of Fine Arts. Being surrounded by outstanding Pharaonic monuments and Coptic monasteries has resulted in his artistic expression focusing on the relationship between what he regards as his ancient Egyptian heritage and the demands of contemporary life. Through his work we see the combination of Pharaonic and decorative motifs. He draws a direct relationship to the hieroglyphs that the ancients left behind and has designed many mosaics that decorate several cities throughout Egypt.
Not only has Reda enjoyed a prolific and international career in the Arts but he has also encouraged others by participating in a number of varied initiatives designed to promote artists and the Egyptian art scene. In this regard, he has been integral to the formation of internationally recognized events such as the Luxor Painting Symposium and the formation of the annual Aswan Sculpture Symposium. His artistic career has taken him around the world, from Latin America to Europe.