An Article by A. V. (733 words, 4 min. read)
The highly anticipated sixth edition of Art Cairo is set to take place from February 8 to 11, 2025, at the Grand Egyptian Museum. As Egypt’s premier international art fair, Art Cairo established itself as a dynamic platform for showcasing contemporary and modern art from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a growing presence of international galleries. This year’s edition promises an immersive artistic experience, featuring over 25 galleries and 50 artists from across the region and beyond.
A Diverse and Prestigious Lineup of Galleries
Art Cairo 2025 brings together an impressive selection of galleries, each representing a unique artistic vision and cultural narrative. Among the prominent participants are:
Egyptian Galleries
Le Lab (Egypt): Featuring the works of contemporary Egyptian artist Khaled Hafez, known for his exploration of mythology, capitalism, and identity.
Gallery Misr (Egypt): Presenting the works of Serwan Baran, an Iraqi Kurdish artist who delves into the complexities of war and human resilience.
Lebanese Galleries at Art Cairo 2025
Lebanon, a country with a deep-rooted artistic tradition, is strongly represented at this year’s fair, with renowned galleries bringing their unique perspectives to the Cairo art scene.
Nadine Fayad Art Gallery (Lebanon): Featuring the work of Raouf Rifai, known for his Darwich figure, which symbolizes Middle Eastern identity and heritage.
Maya Art Space (Lebanon): Founded in 2023 in Beirut’s Downtown district, Maya Art Space has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to contemporary Middle Eastern art. It serves as a platform for both emerging and established artists, showcasing paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. Their participation in Art Cairo reinforces their mission to foster cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
KAF Art Gallery (Lebanon): Dedicated to contemporary art, KAF Art Gallery has played a crucial role in promoting Middle Eastern artists and fostering cultural exchange. This year, they collaborated with Art Cairo to organize a two-month artist residency in Cairo for Syrian artist Nizar Sabour. His latest series, Egyptian Sarcophagi, which blends ancient Egyptian and Coptic influences with modern techniques, will be unveiled at the fair.
Other Regional and International Galleries
Gallery One (Palestine): Presenting contemporary Palestinian artists such as Ibrahim Jawabreh, whose work explores themes of identity, space, and human connection.
Fann à Porter (UAE): Showcasing Mohammed Hawajri: The Cactus, a powerful representation of Palestinian resilience.
Wadi Finan Art Gallery (Jordan): Featuring multi-generational artists from the Levant and North Africa, including Zaid Shawwa and Saoud Mardam Bey.
Salam Art Gallery (Iraq): Spotlighting Iraqi artists such as Salam Omar, whose work is shaped by his experiences during the Iran-Iraq War.
European Galleries: Art Cairo is expanding its global reach with the participation of French gallery Art du Temps and Dutch gallery SANAA, both representing Middle Eastern artists on an international scale.
Event Highlights and Cultural Dialogues
Beyond the gallery exhibitions, Art Cairo 2025 offers a rich program of talks, panels, and special exhibitions under the theme: Peace upon all lands. This theme reflects the healing power of art and its role in bridging cultural and historical divides. A key highlight includes a solo exhibition by Nizar Sabour, focusing on the olive tree as a symbol of peace and resilience.
The fair also features the Hiwarâ (Dialogue) program, bringing together artists, curators, and art critics for discussions on contemporary art trends, the challenges of the art market, and the evolving role of galleries in the digital age.
A Must-Visit Cultural Event
Art Cairo 2025 is not just an art fair; it is a celebration of cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and cross-border collaboration. With the participation of leading Lebanese, Egyptian, Palestinian, Jordanian, Iraqi, and international galleries, the event offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics to explore the rich artistic landscape of the Middle East and beyond.
The fair will be open to the public from February 8 to 11 at the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the largest and most spectacular museums in the world. Overlooking the pyramids of Giza, this architectural masterpiece houses thousands of priceless artifacts, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s ancient and modern artistic heritage. Tickets and more details are available on the official Art Cairo website: artcairo.com
