CAIRO, JurnalPost.com — Egypt and China both possess ancient civilizations with rich, enduring cultural legacies. This heritage is considered a vital asset for artists from both nations to strengthen public understanding and deepen cross-cultural relations.
This perspective was shared by renowned Egyptian artist and professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, Ahmed Nawar. According to him, art has the ability to transcend geographical boundaries and bring two great civilizations together.
“Art is an important bridge connecting the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations,” Nawar said in an interview with Xinhua.
Nawar is no stranger to China, having visited the country three times. One of his most memorable trips occurred in 2013 when he participated in the “Silk Road: Artists' Rendezvous” art program.
Over the course of about three weeks, Nawar visited several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. During this journey, he created various sketches and gathered inspiration that subsequently influenced his artistic path.
“During that trip, I spent about three weeks sketching and gathering artistic inspiration in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and other cities,” he said.
He admitted to being deeply impressed by the richness of artistic expression found in China's various relics. Ancient architecture, the techniques of craftsmen, and the creativity passed down through centuries became a particular focus for Nawar.
According to him, the experience of seeing these works firsthand had a profound influence on how he views and creates art.
“That experience had a very deep influence on my artwork,” he said.
China Inspires Over 30 Sketches
The journey resulted in more than 30 sketches. Nawar used landscapes, historical buildings, traditional markets, and the daily activities of the Chinese people as subjects for his work.
Several of these pieces were later exhibited in prominent galleries across Egypt.
For Nawar, the creative process while in China was not just about the scenery he observed. Interactions with the local community also provided a deeper cultural experience.
He observed life in tourist areas, markets, streets, and small alleys in various cities.
“Every place presented a unique impression of beauty and artistic inspiration for me. When walking through the traditional markets in Xi'an, I could not help but be reminded of the familiar atmosphere of the Khan el-Khalili market in the old city of Cairo,” Nawar said.
The similarity in atmosphere between the traditional markets in Xi'an and Khan el-Khalili shows that people from two different civilizations can still find shared life experiences that feel familiar.
For Nawar, the collection of sketches produced during the trip has become a form of invaluable personal documentation.
He even described the works as “treasures” because each drawing holds a specific experience from his time in China.
“Every time I look at them now, I am reminded of the places where I created the work, the people I met, and the emotions I felt at that time. Those memories are still so vivid,” he said.
Art Introduces China to the Egyptian Public
Nawar also held a solo exhibition on Zamalek Island, Cairo. The exhibition attracted students, art lovers, and local collectors.
Beyond showcasing his work, the organizers also held seminars discussing Chinese culture and art.
According to Nawar, the visitors' response showed that a work of art can be a gateway to understanding the society and culture of another country more deeply.
“People are not only interested in appreciating the artwork itself, but they also want to understand the China behind those works. Art exchanges can spark interest, deepen understanding, and bring different civilizations closer together,” he said.
Nawar has also brought this experience into the academic sphere.
In recent years, he has continued to follow China's development, not only in art and culture but also in science, technology, architecture, and engineering. Examples of these developments are incorporated into his teaching materials for students.
Nawar believes that firsthand experience is an essential part of understanding a country more holistically.
“If I had not seen China's development achievements, its natural beauty, and its rich historical and cultural heritage for myself, I would not have been able to bring those experiences into my teaching,” he said.
He noted that the experience allows him to introduce Egyptian students to the values of traditional Chinese art as well as the various innovations developing in the country's contemporary art scene.
According to Nawar, the cultural relationship between Egypt and China can grow even stronger if direct interaction between artists continues to expand.
Exchanges of works, cultural trips, joint exhibitions, and communication between artists are, in his view, effective ways to build closeness between the two peoples.
He believes that sincere cooperation among the art community can be a significant force in deepening cultural exchange and bringing the people of Egypt and China closer together amidst the continuously developing relations between the two countries.
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