Bahrain-based Egyptian artist Ahmed Emam is set to unveil his unique interpretation of the famed Fayoum Portraits in a solo exhibition to be inaugurated today.
Fayoum Portraits or ‘mummy portraits’ are a type of naturalistic artwork – typically of mummies from Roman Egypt – brought alive on wooden boards. The ancient funerary wonders are said to be more than 1,800 years old and around 1,000 Fayoum paintings have been excavated so far.
Emam is showcasing 33 of his paintings inspired by the Fayoum art – a collection that he has been working on for the last six years.
Mr Emam
“Funerary paintings adorned the wooden coffins of individuals from Roman Egypt and are a unique blend of Egyptian and Roman civilisations,” Mr Emam, 46, told the GDN.
“I employed techniques reminiscent of the ancient ones, such as painting on wood, applying layers of natural pigments, and using gold leaf. However, I also introduced contemporary elements through mixed-media printmaking techniques,” he added.
The exhibition, which runs until February 11, will be showcased at Art Concept gallery in Andalus Garden, Gudaibiya. It will be open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 6pm.
Although the portraits are a creative reinterpretation of an existing body of work, the visual artist, who has been living in Bahrain for the last 13 years, has infused his own essence into the collection.
Born and raised in Cairo, Mr Emam was influenced by the ‘busy city with its rich heritage and multi-culture facets’.
An artwork from the collection depicting a female subject
“Although the Fayoum Portraits are rendered in an expressive, realistic style, I infused my unique artistic signature,” he said.
“I developed a distinctive, easily recognisable style by employing multiple graphic techniques. Anyone familiar with my work can identify my pieces without seeing my signature. This innovation blends the ancient and modern, giving these portraits a unique artistic identity,” the Juffair resident explained.
Speaking about his favourite piece from the ensemble, Mr Emam said, “The portrait of the young man, ‘Eutyches’, from the Roman period (193 to 211 AD), inspired the entire exhibition. Despite his vitality, I was deeply moved by the profound sadness in his eyes. This gaze inspired me to reimagine the Fayoum Portraits in a new and modern style.”
What drew him to Fayoum Portraits was more than just their historical significance. It was the opportunity to shed light on an ancient civilisation.
“The simplicity of these people’s lives and the profound impact of their civilisation on the arts constantly inspire me,” Mr Emam said. “My art is a way of revisiting and reviving these important civilisations, focusing on the spiritual and human aspects central to my work.”
Portraits at a glance
The recipient of several awards in Egypt, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Mr Emam has participated in more than 60 local and several other international exhibitions.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a major in printmaking and a pre-master’s degree in the same field from Cairo University, Mr Emam believes that art is a powerful medium for blending the past and present as it embodies ancient traditions and carries them forward in modern contexts, keeping history relevant today.
As part of his artistic goals for this year, the art educator is determined to explore new materials and techniques that blend tradition with modernity. He also plans to continue sharing his expertise with young artists.
“I hope to continue creating works that combine human depth with artistic innovation, enriching the audience’s spirit and inviting them to reflect,” he said.
“Seeing the merging of past and present in art means recognising how old ideas, values and aesthetics continue to influence contemporary artists, making those traditions a living part of the present in a new way.
“I invite the audience to focus on artistic symbols, execution techniques and time elements in this exhibition. Each individual’s interpretation enhances the depth of the creative experience, as the artwork becomes a mirror reflecting the soul’s journey and personal experiences,” he said.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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