Ancient Egyptian Pyramids Host Spectacular Art Exhibition

Art D’Égypte’s “Forever Is Now” exhibition is once again captivating the world with its striking display of contemporary art set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the world: the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Now in its fourth year, this extraordinary art event, which runs through November 15, features works by 12 international artists. These installations and sculptures span a wide range of styles and themes, blending abstraction, practicality, and powerful storytelling. The exhibition’s works explore subjects ranging from the ancient past to the present day, offering a profound dialogue between art, history, and the visitors who experience it.

Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, curator and organizer of the show, describes the evolution of the exhibition’s curatorial direction. “The first year was a simple dialogue between the artists and the historical ties,” she explains. “We changed the curatorial direction so it became a conversation between the visitor, the artist, and the site.” As the founder of Culturvator, an organization promoting art, film, design, and music, Ghaffar has successfully worked with both public and private entities to curate “Forever Is Now” since its inception. This year’s edition brings together artists from India, the UK, Canada, Belgium, South Korea, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Egypt, France, and Spain. Below are some of the exhibition's standout highlights:

‘Four Temples’ – Ik-Joong Kang

Ik-Joong Kang’s “Four Temples” features a series of cube-shaped installations that pay homage to the themes of peace, harmony, and connectivity. These cubes are adorned with thousands of square tiles inscribed with drawings and messages, including the famous Korean folk song “Arirang,” written in Korean, English, Arabic, and hieroglyphs. The inner walls of each cube feature artwork from children and those who have experienced political and social strife, symbolizing the universal human experience. Kang notes that the installation is a forward-looking piece, emphasizing the need to focus on the future, rather than the past.

‘The Race’ – Khaled Zaki

Khaled Zaki’s “The Race” draws inspiration from ancient Egyptian chariots, featuring a pair of sleek, stainless steel horses racing through the desert. Their semicircular wheels emerge from the sand, embodying the progression of human invention, exploration, and discovery. The artist’s use of reflective stainless steel symbolizes modern technological advancements, creating a visual contrast with the ancient themes of Egypt. Zaki notes that this work aims to juxtapose the limitations of ancient technology with the high-tech world of today, suggesting a commentary on humanity’s ever-evolving relationship with progress.

‘Padma/Lotus’ – Shilo Shiv Suleman

Shilo Shiv Suleman’s “Padma/Lotus” features ten enormous blue lotus flowers, crafted from brass, silk, and holographic film. The installation is equipped with pulse sensors that visualize the heartbeats of visitors, linking the energy of the human body with the symbolism of the lotus. Rooted in the Vishnu Purana, the lotus represents the creation of the universe, with similar significance in Egyptian mythology. The blue lotus, a symbol of rebirth and spiritual awakening, represents a resurgence of consciousness in Egyptian lore. The installation’s interactive nature encourages visitors to reflect on their connection to the world around them and the eternal cycle of life.

‘Quadrivium’ – Chris Levine

Chris Levine’s “Quadrivium” installation is based on the ancient study of the four subjects: mass, astronomy, geometry, and sound. The work features two dichroic glass discs that vibrate at different frequencies near the top of a central pole, which is supported by a triangle of cables. These vibrations correspond to frequencies that hold significance for the Great Pyramid of Khufu, where the installation is located. Levine’s design incorporates angles, ratios, and geometry inspired by the Great Pyramid, creating a harmonious connection between art, science, and the ancient world.

‘I See, I See’ – Federica Di Carlo

Federica Di Carlo’s piece “I See, I See” takes inspiration from Egyptian mythology, where the Sun God Ra is said to have shed tears that gave birth to humankind. This installation features a large eye made from thousands of graduated optical lenses that create an inverted view of the surrounding environment. The eye frames a view of the pyramids, inviting visitors to reconsider how they perceive both the art and the ancient landmarks. Di Carlo’s work explores themes of vision, perception, and the connection between the divine and the earthly.

‘Exodus’ – Xavier Mascaró

Xavier Mascaró’s “Exodus” consists of a fleet of miniature ships made from bronze and iron, their cloth sails gently floating across the desert floor. The piece reflects the theme of migration, both human and historical, offering a poignant commentary on the movement of individuals and masses throughout time. Mascaró’s work transcends any single event, allowing viewers to interpret it through their own lens—whether related to current global migration crises or historical journeys. The artist’s use of ancient materials, such as bronze, further emphasizes the enduring relevance of migration in the human experience.

‘Vessel of Time’ – Jean-Marie Appriou

“Vessel of Time” by Jean-Marie Appriou features a traditional riverboat made from Nile ochre clay, with a solitary bronze figure seated on board. Inspired by the solar barque of Khufu, the boat was used in ancient Egypt for ritual purposes, symbolizing the journey from life to death, as well as the crossing of time and space. Appriou’s work reflects on the cyclical nature of life, the crossing between worlds, and the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian culture. The artist, who once dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, draws from his deep admiration for Egyptian sculpture to create a powerful piece that evokes both reverence and transience.

‘Monochrome RGB’ – Luca Boffi

Luca Boffi’s “Monochrome RGB” is a minimalist installation that filters the view of the Giza Plateau through three panels of reflective cladding in yellow, blue, and red. This work draws upon the simplicity of the pyramids and uses color to transform the surrounding environment, making the ancient landscape appear new and dynamic. Boffi’s installation is informed by his scientific approach to art, particularly his interest in grids and optical devices, creating a visual experience that connects modern aesthetics with ancient geometry.

‘We Will Meet Again in the Sky’ – Jake Michael Singer

Jake Michael Singer’s “We Will Meet Again in the Sky” evokes the symbolism of birds in Egyptian cosmology, where they represent transcendence and divine communication. Constructed from thousands of steel rods, Singer’s installation resembles a bird in flight and evokes the spirit of the Bennu, the Egyptian deity of rebirth. The piece reflects on the connections between individuals and the larger society, as well as the eternal cycle of life and death.

‘Desert Waves’ – Jean Boghossian

Jean Boghossian’s “Desert Waves” explores the theme of creation and destruction through the use of rusted steel slats that emerge from the desert sand, forming undulating waves. The work reflects the impermanence of materials, highlighting how nature’s forces shape and transform the landscape over time. In a time of global conflict, the artist reflects on the importance of peaceful expression, using art as a means of dialogue and understanding.

‘Liquid Solid’ – Nassia Inglessis

Nassia Inglessis’s “Liquid Solid” addresses the monumental construction of the pyramids by exploring the relationship between solid and liquid. Through her use of aluminum honeycomb, a material used in NASA’s Voyagers, Inglessis reflects on the timelessness of the pyramids, while also questioning the notion of permanence in the context of human history and technological advancement.

‘I Love’ – Marie Khouri

Marie Khouri’s “I Love” features a flowing installation made of Arabic letters in polystyrene that form the words “I Love.” The piece symbolizes the artist’s connection to both her Egyptian heritage and her global journey, offering a welcoming place to sit and enjoy the surroundings of the Giza Plateau.

“Forever Is Now” invites audiences to engage with both contemporary art and the ancient history of Egypt, creating a powerful intersection of the past, present, and future.