Artist's Statement
In 1939, in Cairo, Egypt, I became a member of group of avant garde artists - poets and writers - who joined together in rebellion against the stagnation in art and politics that existed at the time around us. The group was called Art et Liberte'. My first exhibit was with this group, an act which gave me the energy and the courage to develop my own personal artistic expression. And to develop my focus as a painter on the life struggle of the working poor in Egypt, especially those who worked the land.
In 1946, I and eight of my artists friends formed a group which we called "Groupe de L'Art Contemporain". We exhibited our work in museums and galleries and represented Egypt in several international Biennales.
In 1954, our group was invited to show our work in Paris, and I was asked to organize the exhibit. It was very exciting for the group, and an opportunity for me, not only to exhibit my work - but also to meet and interact with other artists and to experience first hand the exciting developments in the European art world of the 50's.
Over the years there have been artists I have admired greatly. But emotionally and intellectually I am incapable of following trends. I have always had to follow my own path. While my painting began with a distinctly Egyptian flavour, it has evolved, I believe, into my own very individual style.
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