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

Zamalek is one of the most beautiful and tranquil areas in Cairo, filled with luscious greenery and surrounded by calm water, yet it is also well-known for its splendid galleries displaying some of the richest and finest contemporary art works in the city.

Currently on display at the Zamalek Art Gallery is a tremendous and glistening body of work by Kamal El Feky titled ‘The Cycle.’ A series of bronze sculptures in different sizes all entailing the existence of man and his journey through time. 

One figure, almost identical in every piece is used to tell a story of life and the passing by of it through the different positions and moods.  Some appear full of life and full of an iridescent energy, especially those looking up to the sky and also the ones displayed alongside a bicycle, whereas others are portrayed in slouched positions with a sense of sadness and resignation. 

At first sight these large and obscure figures appear quite comical with their bulky bodies and tiny heads on top and seem like they could fit into one of Tim Burtons animated movies yet there is something deeper lurking within them.  Each body has small pieces calved from it as though it is a piece of cheese half eaten by a tiny mouse; this could represent the idea of the body decaying or perhaps the mind even. 

The Zamalek Art Gallery space used for Kamal El-Feky’s work is just perfect as it is a maze of twists and turns, each one revealing a surprise for the viewer.  The lighting is adequate; the floor immaculately polished and the space itself is decently sized.

To create this series of sculptures, Kamal El Feky has chosen Bronze which is an excellent choice for it has reflective qualities therefore when each person studies one of his sculptures they can see an essence of themselves within it.  To begin the process of making a bronze sculpture, most artists begin making the original from clay; the process is time consuming and requires both patience and stamina.

The title of this exhibition, ‘The Cycle,’ conjures ambiguous meanings; this could be associated with the cycle of life through the more powerful and energetic positioned statues and then the aging process through the tired and slouched positions further emphasised by the decaying effect of the bodies.  It could also be the cycle of moods and the change between them.  Using the bicycle in the sculptures and naming the exhibition ‘The Cycle’ could be the artist adding some humour to his work.

Kamal El-Feky was born in 1984 and received his bachelor of Fine Arts at Helwen University in Cairo in 2006, specialising in the sculpture department.  He has gained an excellent reputation within his field, earning him the Cairo Salon Prize in 2013, and has participated in countless exhibitions worldwide.

Flowing with visitors all eager to get a good look at Kamal El-Feky’s glistening ray of sculptures and to top it all there was some delicious delicacies along with sweet beverages available.  Another Egyptian Artist represents the country of Egypt through his marvellous, artistic talents and ideas.