BIOGRAPHY (Reprinted from his retrospective show program at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in 1998.)

Born in Egypt in 1923, Kamal began his artistic career as one of the founders of an avant-garde group who put on the first contemporary art show in Cairo in 1939. This was a time when modern art was considered practically subversive and created a stir. Since then he has lived in Paris (1954-56) where he assembled the first French show of young Egyptians, married an American, and had his works purchased by the modern museums in Cairo, Alexandria, and Paris

Kamal moved to the United States in 1956 where he soon became a citizen. He and his wife Maria settled in Pittsburgh, Pa where he was employed by the engineering firm Swindell-Dressler. As a multilingual engineer, his work has taken Kamal back to Europe and Particularly Paris frequently over the past 40 years and even now he works as a consultant in engineering with frequent travel abroad.

Over the years, Kamal's style has changed somewhat and he has tried different techniques as he explored new ideas and materials. He has worked extensively with wood cut-out figures and gold leaf which gave his canvases an exotic look.

The work exhibited in this exhibition is the mature oeuvre of this remarkably prolific painter. The time for experimenting is past and the figurative compositions which comprise this exhibition represent Kamal at his best. The paintings are mystical, exotic, enigmatic and enchanting. The images of birds, animals, figures in boxes fish, and men and women all build an aura so dreamlike that one has to pinch oneself to make sure this is not a dream.

As we consider these paintings with their diverse subjects, we cannot ignore Kamal's special fondness for the women in his paintings, whether they are boldly nude, maternal, or frankly erotic. Kamal's great affection for women of all ages and roles is clear.

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is privileged to present this unique exhibition of the art of Kamal Youssef, and wants to express its warm appreciation to the artist, Kamal Youssef, his wife Maria, and their son Hisham for their generous assistance and support.

Bud Gabriel, Curator