In brief
On Nov. 8, the "Forever Is Now" exhibition opened on Cairo’s Giza Plateau, transforming the ancient landscape into an outdoor canvas for contemporary art. Organized by Art D'Egypte, the show features 12 gold‑colored guardian figures by French‑Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er, Turkish sculptor Seckin Pirim’s limestone columns, and Egyptian artist Emad Abu Grain’s stone installation, all aimed at blending Egypt’s ancient heritage with modern creativity. The event celebrates the 70th anniversary of Egyptian‑Chinese diplomatic ties and invites visitors of all ages to experience the dialogue between past and present.
The Sixth Edition of the "Forever Is Now" exhibition opened on Nov. 8 near Cairo’s Giza Plateau, transforming the desert landscape beside the pyramids into an open‑air gallery of contemporary art across the plateau. Organized by Egyptian multidisciplinary arts firm Art D'Egypte, the show will run until Nov. 28, inviting residents and visitors to explore themes of time, cultural memory and the enduring influence of the pyramids through steel, stone and vivid colors.
Among the highlighted pieces is "It Is Time to Plant Love" by French‑Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er. The installation features 12 towering, gold‑colored guardian figures made of stainless steel and fiberglass that symbolise shared values such as peace, freedom, equality and wisdom. Jiang explained that “At a time when most artists are striving to find differences, I am truly seeking common ground.” She added that while “art cannot resolve conflicts, it can at least open a window, open a door, allowing us to engage in dialogue, to try to understand one another, and to walk together into our shared space.” Her participation marks the exhibition’s first collaboration with a Chinese artist and underscores the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China.
Founder of Art D'Egypte, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, emphasized that the show is a venue to showcase both ancient and modern Egypt. She told reporters that “International visitors and media come to see not just our 7,000‑year‑old civilization, but also contemporary Egyptians.” Abdel Ghaffar also noted that the exhibition is open to everyone, attracting school and university groups each year, and that “art should not be limited to collectors.”
Turkish sculptor Seckin Pirim presented the installation "The King’s Road," which explores the relationship between past and present through limestone columns that echo ancient ruins yet display distinct contemporary forms. Pirim described his work as “a gate and a portal” opening from the present toward the pyramids.
Egyptian visual artist Emad Abu Grain’s piece "Talisman of Salvation" features six carved stone blocks and rope, drawing on ancient Egyptian motifs while presenting them in a contemporary layout. The exhibition’s diverse array of works invites viewers to confront the interplay of time, culture and artistic vision within the same physical space that has housed human history for millennia.
