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I can Walk But I have Wings, I am meant to Fly

Nihal Wahby is a prominent figure in Egypt's vibrant art and cultural landscape, based in Cairo as a visual artist and curator. Known for her dynamic artistic expressions across various mediums, including drawings, paintings, interdisciplinary forms, and interactive installations, Wahby's work delves into profound themes such as awareness, identity, and the intersection of physical and virtual realities, creating a coexistence between dream and reality.

Born and raised in Cairo, Wahby draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Egyptian heritage and ancient mythology, seamlessly integrating these timeless narratives with contemporary challenges and experiences. Her installations, including "All I Have is My Wings," "Tears of Isis," "Universal Pulse," and "Book of Memories," alongside her painting series like "Lucid Realms" and "Siwa Inspired Paintings," reflect a profound exploration of human emotion and existence through a blend of ancient and contemporary media approaches.

Wahby's artistic practice has garnered international recognition through numerous solo exhibitions and participations in significant group shows such as biennales and regional art fairs. Her artistic journey was shaped by mentorship under the esteemed Egyptian artist and writer Hassan Soliman and further enriched by her studies at Central Saint Martins School of Art in London, where she deepened her engagement with international contemporary art practices.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Wahby has played a pivotal role in the curation and preservation of Egyptian art. She founded Square Art Space & Consultancy, dedicated to fostering artistic dialogue and supporting visual art and heritage within Egypt and internationally. Wahby's curatorial achievements include curating and transforming the National Bank of Egypt's museum, organizing and curating exhibitions and competitions that celebrate historical significance and contemporary practices in art. Previously, she curated the The Pharos Art Collection, a cornerstone for modern and contemporary Egyptian art.

Wahby's dedication extends to documenting and preserving Egypt's cultural heritage through photography and videodocumentaries, ensuring the legacy of iconic historical buildings and heritage sites. Her insightful commentary on art and culture has been featured in prominent publications such as Al Ahram Weekly and Al Shorouk, contributing to a deeper understanding of Egyptian and African artistic narratives.

She served as the editor and artistic supervisor of "The National Bank of Egypt's 125th Years " published Book, and played a creative role in the Bank's special edition magazine.

Nihal Wahby continues to contribute to the discourse of contemporary Egyptian art, through her visionary creativity, and passionate advocacy.

Solo Exhibitions, as an Artist

Floating Hope

karim Francis Gallery, 2021

Lucid Realms

Hanager Art Gallery , 2018.

Eminence of Light

Hanager Art Gallery, 2015.

I can walk but I have wings, I am meant to fly

Hanager Art Gallery, 2012.

Group Exhibitions

Eternal Light

Curated by Art D’Egypte, 2020.

Abu Dhabi Art Fair

Karim Francis Gallery and Art D’Egypte, 2019.

The 29th Letter of the Alphabet

Art D’Egypte, 2019

Nothing Vanishes, Everything Transforms

Manial Palace, Art D’Egypte, Cairo, 2018

Book Object Biennale

Bucharest, Romania, 2018.

Siwa Forum

Palaces of Culture, Ministry of Culture, 2018.

International Symposium of Painting

Luxor, 2017.

Ode To Our True Selves

SODIC Art, Westown Hub, 2014.

Other Group Exhibitions:

  • Prince Taz Palace, 2023

  • Famagusta Cultural center, Cyprus, 2018.

  • Soma Art Gallery, 2018.

  • General Exhibition, 2015

  • Localité, 6 Contemporary Arts Gallery, 2013.

  • General Exhibition, Cairo Museum of Modern Art, 2010.

  • General Exhibition Cairo, Palace of the Arts, 2009.

  • Cairo Atelier, 2008.

  • Mashrabeya Gallery, 2008.

  • General Exhibition Cairo, Museum of Modern Art, 2008.

  • General Exhibition Cairo, Museum of Modern Art, 2007.

  • Ibadaa Gallery, 2006.

Selected Curatorial Projects

National Bank of Egypt

Pharos Art Collection

Contributor in Mahmoud Said’s Catalogue Raisonne

Artwork Appraisal

“Ode to Our True Selves” exhibition.

Art Consultant to Sotheby’s October 2010

Curator and advisor to regional art institutions (2010/2009)

Pharos Collection Exhibition

Curator of Hassan Soliman exhibitions 2005-2008

Published Articles

Academic Qualifications

Graduated from the faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, in 1993.
Diploma of Culture Development, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University 2015 - 2016 with the focus on Visual Arts in Africa.
Also attended several Independent studies venues:

  • Art training at the Russian Cultural Center (Drawing, Painting and Music) from 1997 till 2000.

  • Tutored by Artist Mosafa El Razaz for 6 months in 2001.

  • Joined the private studio of the belated artist and writer Hassan Soliman from 2002 till 2008, where she was tutored under his creative apprenticeship as an artist and has started curating and organizing exhibitions since 2005.

  • 2009-2013: Attended several courses in Central Saint Martin School of Art Attended courses:

    • 2009: Contemporary Art Practice Course

    • 2011: Mixed Media Painting Course (Oil Painting Course)

    • 2013: Self Promotion for Creatives

  • Understanding Exposure and Your DSLR, The perfect picture school of Photography, USA (PPSOP) in 2011.

  • Fine Art Nature Photography, The perfect picture school of Photography, USA (PPSOP) in 2011.

Workshops

«How To» Technical Workshop Program:, Townhouse From November 2013 to April 2014

The workshops covers different areas of technical expertise, from the fundamentals of art handling to lighting and sound design, installing new media, exhibition design, exhibiting work in non-traditional venues, and project management skills, such as time management and handling budgets.