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:
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.