The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

As Egypt unveiled the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on 1 November, the nation’s creative spotlight turns to TAM Gallery, the official art partner of this historic opening. The partnership marks a defining cultural moment, one that bridges Egypt’s ancient legacy with its vibrant contemporary art scene.

Under the leadership of founder and director Lina Mowafy, TAM Gallery curated an exceptional collection of over one hundred artworks, each handpicked to represent the country’s creative diversity. The gallery’s contribution forms a visual narrative that celebrates both Egypt’s heritage and its dynamic artistic evolution.

A Celebration of Contemporary Egypt

Renowned for its pioneering role in shaping Egypt’s art landscape, TAM Gallery was chosen for its longstanding commitment to nurturing emerging talent and promoting inclusivity in the arts. The collaboration with GEM brings together artists from across generations and disciplines, capturing the essence of Egypt’s creativity through a tapestry of visual forms.

From abstraction and calligraphy to folk-inspired storytelling, the exhibition showcases the country’s artistic richness and the profound connection between culture, identity, and innovation.

The Artists Behind the Vision

Among the celebrated names are Abdel Wahab Abdel Mohsen, whose poetic wooden reliefs echo the rhythm of the Nile Delta, and Hassan El Shark, whose folkloric scenes of village life burst with colour and spirit. Hosam Dirar’s layered compositions explore identity and womanhood through bold abstraction, while Amani Moussa’s architectural prints reimagine Cairo’s urban energy in striking monochrome.

Emerging voices include Khoshoua El Gohary, whose biomorphic abstractions symbolise organic growth and renewal, and Mostafa Nabawy, who draws inspiration from Egypt’s folklore and collective memory. Yasmine Reda brings a scenographic approach to her textured works, while Sudanese artists Omar Kamal El Din and Tarig Kamal expand the narrative to embrace the shared cultural rhythm of the Nile Valley.

Internationally acclaimed artists such as Britt Boutros-Ghali, Gamal Meleka, and Ayyad Alnimer contribute to the exhibition’s global resonance. Other notable figures include Ibrahim El Tanbouli, Mohamed Banawy, Akram Fadl, Pancé Ahmed, Klay Kassem, Mary Shaker, and Lina Mowafy herself, whose expressive paintings celebrate spirituality, womanhood, and joy.

Together, these artists create a powerful reflection of Egypt’s creative spirit, deeply rooted in history yet constantly evolving through new forms of expression.

TAM Gallery’s Role in Shaping the Art Scene

Since its founding in 2012, TAM Gallery has grown to become the most extensive contemporary art gallery in the Middle East and North Africa, representing more than 500 multidisciplinary artists. The gallery’s initiatives, from the renowned Cairo Art Fair to The Artists of Tomorrow programme, have transformed access to art in Egypt, championing transparency, innovation, and collaboration.

By curating this monumental exhibition at the GEM, TAM Gallery not only showcases the country’s artistic excellence but also asserts Egypt’s role as a global hub for cultural dialogue. The partnership reflects Mowafy’s vision of connecting contemporary expression with Egypt’s timeless heritage.