Art’s New Dawn – ‘Forever Is Now’ at Giza

“Forever Is Now” at the Pyramids of Giza represents a profound artistic reinterpretation, transcending the boundaries of history, seamlessly fusing past, present, and future. This third installment of the exhibition introduces awe-inspiring, site-specific installations by 14 artists hailing from different corners of the globe.

Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza have always been revered for their historical significance. Yet, “Forever Is Now” invites viewers to explore these iconic structures through a contemporary lens. It’s a place where history coexists with the modern world, where visitors can not only connect with the past but also reflect on their own place in the ever-evolving narrative of our communities.

Nadine Abdel Ghaffer, the visionary behind the exhibition and founder of Art D’Egypte by Culturvator, emphasizes the diversity of messages conveyed by each artwork. Despite the distinct artistic approaches, this exhibition masterfully bridges the gap between antiquity and the present, fostering a profound sense of continuity.

One striking piece, “RA” by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis, emerges as a 4.2-meter-tall monument seemingly born from the sands of time. Its laminated solar glass, adorned with a spectrum of reds, yellows, and off-whites, delves into the realms of solar energy. This artwork pays homage to the invention of the sundial in Egypt and the ancient Egyptians’ reverence for the sun god, Ra. Simultaneously, it demonstrates the transformative power of solar glass, which harnesses the sun’s energy, potentially revolutionizing our world. Imagine a city where skyscrapers generate their own energy, thanks to the glass adorning their windows.

In “Meditation on Light” by Dionysios, bronze-cast leaves plated in gold meld seamlessly with the natural landscape. This 8-by-4-meter ground installation, designed by artificial intelligence, reflects sunlight, creating an ethereal experience that allows visitors to connect with a higher realm. The artwork is a conduit for communion with the divine, transcending ideological boundaries.

Other notable works include French artist JR’s “Inside Out Giza 2022/2023,” featuring black-and-white poster-sized portraits of local residents; Argentinian artist Pilar Zeta’s “Mirror Gate,” a geometric portal that combines stone and mirrored glass to bridge the past and present; and Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa’s “Reality is Timeless,” a series of golden totems inspired by the Tower of Babel, forming a mesmerizing quasi-maze.

One of the exhibition’s primary goals is to democratize art, especially in a region with limited access to contemporary art. To this end, the artworks are free to visit, turning the Pyramids of Giza into an integral part of one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. Art D’Egypte by Culturvator extends its mission to Cairo’s Salah al-Din Citadel, launching “If The Walls Could Talk” – an art and design festival that invites viewers to ponder the hidden narratives woven into the walls of heritage sites.

The vision is clear: to showcase different heritage sites with authenticity, resulting in a lasting impact on the public and inspiring the younger generation. “Forever Is Now” runs from October 26 to November 18, marking an extraordinary fusion of art and history.