DUBAI: It is a busy day for French Egyptian curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar and it is only noon in Cairo. "I'm running around like always. I went to the Pyramids at 8 a.m.," she said with a laugh.
The curator, who founded the Egyptian arts platform "Art D’Égypte” in 2016, is close to launching the third edition of "Forever Is Now," a site-specific installation exhibition, opening Oct. 26, that is set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza. Executed in 2021 with worldwide attention, the exhibition is a symbol of cultural continuity, combining contemporary art with ancient heritage.
“The Pyramids for me are a token of hope for humanity," Abdel Ghaffar told Arab News. "It’s a world wonder that was not lost. It withstood pandemics, wars, different religions and it’s still there.” She recalls when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, one of the first people she telephoned was the veteran
Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass whose words reassured her during a time of uncertainty. "He was like, “Look at the Pyramids: This will give you hope. It’s still there. So, humanity will not be erased. Don’t worry.”"
It is a huge undertaking setting up near the Pyramids as it reportedly involves dealing with the Secret Services, UNESCO and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, among other top officials. Ten days prior to the exhibition, a team of 150 workers, including architects and electricians, work on-site 24 hours a day. Challenges aside, seeing the exhibition come to life every year still feels like a miracle. “On the night of the opening, everyone is blown away,” Abdel Ghaffar said.
In previous editions of "Forever Is Now," renowned artists such as JR, El-Seed and Lorenzo Quinn, among others, installed their sculptural pieces on-site.
Aside from the show, cultural events in Downtown Cairo have also been organized by Art D’Égypte. In light of the recent violence in Gaza, the organization will set up Egyptian Red Crescent donation booths. This year, a total of 14 works will be installed at the interactive Giza exhibition, running until Nov. 18. Participating artists include Arne Quinze, Dionysios, and Pilar Zeta. "The audience is a player in this theater that we’re putting together," explained Abdel Ghaffar. "We created a trilogy that is between the heritage site, the artist, and the audience."
