Thrilled to be participating for the second time in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Special Projects section. We will be showcasing the works of Egyptian artists Sabah Naim, Marwa Talaat, & Alaa Ayman.
Sabah Naim
Sabah Naim (b. 1967) is an Egyptian artist based in Cairo, holding a BFA, a MFA, and a Ph.D. from the College of Art Education in Cairo (2003) and presently serving as an Assistant Professor. Her work is characterized by a unique perspective and a distinctive visual language that challenges traditional norms, spanning from the reworking of images to embroidery. Naim employs an array of mediums such as fabrics, newspapers, and threads and she also
incorporates photography, needlework, and hand-painted patterns into her work, transforming simple materials into rich, complex, and yet delicate surfaces.
Between 1998 and 2017, she had several significant exhibitions in Egypt, including ones at Townhouse Gallery, Masar Gallery, Karim Francis Gallery, and Safar Khan Gallery. She also exhibited internationally at Lia Rumma Gallery in Italy, Gallery A&B in Switzerland, African Remix, and the British Museum (Word in Art, 2008). Moreover, Naim proudly participated in several noteworthy biennales, including the Alexandria Biennial (2009), the Cairo Biennial (2010), the Havana Biennial (2004), and the Venice Biennale (2003). Additionally, Naim was awarded many artistic grants in Egypt, America, and England. Her works were acquired as part of several private collections as well.
Sabah Naim
Sabah Naim (b. 1967) is an Egyptian artist based in Cairo, holding a BFA, a MFA, and a Ph.D. from the College of Art Education in Cairo (2003) and presently serving as an Assistant Professor. Her work is characterized by a unique perspective and a distinctive visual language that challenges traditional norms, spanning from the reworking of images to embroidery. Naim employs an array of mediums such as fabrics, newspapers, and threads and she also
incorporates photography, needlework, and hand-painted patterns into her work, transforming simple materials into rich, complex, and yet delicate surfaces.
Between 1998 and 2017, she had several significant exhibitions in Egypt, including ones at Townhouse Gallery, Masar Gallery, Karim Francis Gallery, and Safar Khan Gallery. She also exhibited internationally at Lia Rumma Gallery in Italy, Gallery A&B in Switzerland, African Remix, and the British Museum (Word in Art, 2008). Moreover, Naim proudly participated in several noteworthy biennales, including the Alexandria Biennial (2009), the Cairo Biennial (2010), the Havana Biennial (2004), and the Venice Biennale (2003). Additionally, Naim was awarded many artistic grants in Egypt, America, and England. Her works were acquired as part of several private collections as well.
Marwa Talaat
Marwa Talaat is an Egyptian contemporary artist whose work explores the societal and political issues of her generation, reflecting the realities faced by modern women. Her artistic practice encompasses a wide range, from intricate installations to vibrant paintings that emphasize the power of colour and visual storytelling, all interwoven with a feminine touch using fabrics and threads.
Marwa holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Art Education (2015) and a Diploma in Art Criticism from the Academy of Arts (2002). She has participated in numerous Youth Salon courses from 2003 to 2007, as well as exhibitions such as the National General Exhibition in 2015 and 2017. She has also showcased her works in both solo and group exhibitions at the Al Jazeera Arts Center (2004), the Ahmed Shawqi Museum (2007), the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi (2009), Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art (2018), Picasso Art Gallery (2023), among others.
Marwa Talaat is an Egyptian contemporary artist whose work explores the societal and political issues of her generation, reflecting the realities faced by modern women. Her artistic practice encompasses a wide range, from intricate installations to vibrant paintings that emphasize the power of colour and visual storytelling, all interwoven with a feminine touch using fabrics and threads.
Marwa holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Art Education (2015) and a Diploma in Art Criticism from the Academy of Arts (2002). She has participated in numerous Youth Salon courses from 2003 to 2007, as well as exhibitions such as the National General Exhibition in 2015 and 2017. She has also showcased her works in both solo and group exhibitions at the Al Jazeera Arts Center (2004), the Ahmed Shawqi Museum (2007), the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi (2009), Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art (2018), Picasso Art Gallery (2023), among others.
Alaa Ayman
Alaa Ayman (b.1995) is a painter and video artist based in Cairo. She graduated from Fine Arts in 2018 and further pursued Visual Arts at Studio Khana for Contemporary Art and Cultural Development in Cairo.
Alaa's painting process centers on building layers, working with oil to add, subtract, and blur. Most of her work is inspired by memories, stories, and even events, aiming to create her own mythology—a means of reconnecting her personal narrative with collective memory. She is deeply interested in human relations and enjoys observing people and listening to their stories. Drawn to the painterly quality of colors created by old film cameras, amateur lighting, as well as the informal postures of figures, she collects various items such as old photos, letters, tapes, negatives, etc. These diverse images collectively create a cast of characters and a narrative to draw from.
Alaa Ayman (b.1995) is a painter and video artist based in Cairo. She graduated from Fine Arts in 2018 and further pursued Visual Arts at Studio Khana for Contemporary Art and Cultural Development in Cairo.
Alaa's painting process centers on building layers, working with oil to add, subtract, and blur. Most of her work is inspired by memories, stories, and even events, aiming to create her own mythology—a means of reconnecting her personal narrative with collective memory. She is deeply interested in human relations and enjoys observing people and listening to their stories. Drawn to the painterly quality of colors created by old film cameras, amateur lighting, as well as the informal postures of figures, she collects various items such as old photos, letters, tapes, negatives, etc. These diverse images collectively create a cast of characters and a narrative to draw from.