Hossam Dirar
Hossam Dirar is an Egyptian contemporary artist based in Barcelona, he works with painting, video, sound, and installation art, to delve into questions of cultural identity, gender roles and to discuss socio-economic and political ideas.
Dirar was born in Cairo, Egypt 1978. He obtained a BA in Fine Art Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University, Cairo (graduated with honors, best Graduation project amongst all entries). His later studies included Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Product Design, Photography, Multimedia and Pottery.
Artist Statement
"Art is my way of expressing my concepts & perspectives in life. Life is full of images; through my art I try to capture the essence of those images on canvas. Abstract is my keyword. Nature is my inspiration. Mind, shapes, and imaginations are my basic elements. My digital art explores the magic of our heritage in a new contemporary vision & give ‘rebirth’ to old & traditional icons; with the genuine use of colors, calligraphy, icons, & patterns. Through my artwork I try to bring to life the beauty of old times, the depth of memorable images in a modern unique vision. Thus text & calligraphy are features that I use. The strong impact of words merged with the patterns make the piece of art a true illustration of my perspectives. All is one & one is all… Observing different elements & shapes in nature my minds start to work. My imagination starts to see manifestation beyond what we normally see; the invisible in the visible. I capture these manifestations, reduce them to their basic forms, blend them again creating something completely new full of life and movement. Creating an original piece of art that combines the essence of an idea & the emotion of my inner consciousness. The result is originality, something you have never seen before. Each one experiences these new illustrations depending on his imagination, beliefs, & perspective in life. And that’s the beauty of Abstract art. Being different is thinking different. In my artwork everything is possible. Any color is allowed. All shapes, forms & colors can be mixed together. In Art a fish doesn’t have to be in the sea. Everything I observe or experience in life inspires me; everyday small details, everything surrounding us, time, heritage, and memories. I hope to make people see things that their eyes usually don’t see; showing them images of what they feel. I wish to deliver my perceptions to the world; and Art is my way. Hoping that people start to feel the essence of things, only then they will see their own images in life."
Exhibitions
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018
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"Nefertiti" at Zamalek Art Gallery, Cairo, Egypt
2014
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A Vibrant, Urbane Art Gallery, Edinburgh, Uk
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Beauty and the Beast Art Talks Gallery, Cairo, Egypt
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Awaiting, Albareh Gallery, Bahrain
2013
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Lotus Revolution, (2013 European Capital of Culture), Kosice, Slovekia
2012
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Once Upon a Time Cairo Opera House, Cairo, Egypt
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We Need New Oxygen Saad Zaghloul Cultural Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Lotus Revolution Anniversary The Egyptian Academy, Rome, Italy
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The Lotus Revolution, The Egyptian Cultural Institute, Paris, France
2011
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Wad3 Moshtarak El Sawy Culturewheel, Cairo, Egypt
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Lotus Revolution 2011, Touring Exhibition Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Budapest, Kecskemét, Maribor, Graz
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To Egypt with Love II Safarkhan Gallery, Cairo, Egypt
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To Egypt with Love in Vienna Palais Porcia, Vienna, Austria
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To Egypt with Love Safarkhan Gallery, Cairo, Egypt
2010
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Chaos, Hanfaninha Gallery, Cairo, Egypt
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2017
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PIXELS - Cheers to Basel, Group exhibition at Laurent & Martin gallery
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FACES, Group Exhibition at HOMME Gallery Los Angeles, CA
2015
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Olla, Installation Art The 35th Annual General Exhibition, Cairo Opera House, Cairo, Egypt
2013
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Arts-Mart's Exhibition The Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo, Egypt
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Division, Installation Art the 35th Annual General Exhibition, Cairo Opera House, Cairo, Egypt
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Arts for Peace and Freedom, Darb 1718 Contemporary Art Culture Centre, Cairo, Egypt
2012
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The 34th Annual General Exhibition Palace of Arts, Cairo Opera House, Cairo, Egypt
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36th Salon of Youth, Center of Art, Cairo, Egypt.
2011
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Tutankhamun Festival The Festival of Egyptian Culture, Frankfurt, Germany
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Freedom to Create Photography Exhibition Cape Town, South Africa
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35th Salon of Youth, Center of Art, Cairo, Egypt.
WORKSHOPS
2014
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9th international art Symposium Atelier an der Donau, Austria
2013
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INTERNATIONAL ARTDAYS ÖLÜDENİZ Fethiye, Turkey
NOMINATIONS
2014
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Culture Trip Online, Chosen one of the top Egyptian Contemporary Artists
2013
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Saatchi Gallery Online, Chosen one of the 12 artists in “Invest in Art”
GRANTS
2015
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Salzburg international Academy of Fine Arts Course with Artist: VARDA CAIVANO
RESIDENCIES
2015
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Independent Residency in Zurich, Switzerland for 1 week
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Independent Residency in Bern, Switzerland for 1 week