The Golden Queen
Acrylic on Canvas
51" X 39"
Nefertiti - the latest series by Hossam Dirar.
This powerful body of work is a modern exploration into the elegant and mysterious world of Ancient Egyptians, specifically, the beauty and grace of Queen Nefertiti.
“Nefertiti” is translated as “the beautiful one has come”, but the word “nefer” means more than just beauty. It can also be translated as “goodness” and “perfection”. Nefertiti would empower women to take a stand for their beliefs. She would evoke women to move out of the shadow.
In this series, Dirar challenges the modern woman’s status quo, referencing the queen’s headdress on the women of today, adorned in contemporary attire, accessories, and posture. The juxtaposition is just fascinating!
Dirar’s vision is one of reckoning; through his work, he encourages today’s Egyptian woman to regain and strive for the power and command they once possessed. We are all human and have the power and strength within us, much like the queens and goddesses of Ancient Egypt. His women are painted with dignity and pride, treading the line between the glorious past and the hopeful future of the Egyptian woman.
I have known Hossam for many years. I remember him fondly as one of the most talented graphic designers in Egypt. I had the privilege of collaborating on several projects with him. I recall visiting his office in Maadi in 2009. At the time, I had only been privy to a select few of his paintings. They were simply put; exquisite beauty. Hossam never spoke or mentioned any of his painting. True talent cannot hide; even in the back room of an office, nor can a rapid rise to success. In 2011, Hossam left his business, his homeland of Egypt, and embarked upon Europe. That same year the Director of Saatchi Gallery London, chose him as one of “The 12 Best Artists to Invest In.” This is a humbling and prestigious benchmark in any Artist’s career.
Hossam’s work quickly gathered international interest and began exhibiting in Europe and across the Middle East. In 2016, one of his abstract paintings became part of the permanent collection of Copelouzos Family Art Museum in Greece. In 2017, Hossam debuted in America; his work was first shown in Los Angeles. He was part of a group exhibition with renowned international artists such as Justin Bower, John Paul Fauves, Popovy Sisters, Mike Dargas, and DAIN.
Nefertiti 1
Oil on Canvas
47" X 47"
Eight years ago Hossam went to the Berlin’s Neues Museum to see the statue of Nefertiti for the first time in his life. He was fascinated by this iconic ancient image, the bust of Queen Nefertiti is an enduring symbol of grace, beauty, cultural heritage.
The mysterious beauty of the Egyptian Queen left him curious and inspired. After visiting the museum, Hossam spent years learning about the ancient queen. There are no other women in the whole history like Nefertiti. He was reading about her life, beliefs, achievements, trying to understand who this woman was.
Dirar was finding out about her history and how she was capable in her life to break every one of the limitations, restrictions, and beliefs that existed before her. Nefertiti, together with her husband Akhenaten, was the first one to establish the Aten Cult centered on the Sun god, the most important God, and the only one that was worthy of worship in Egypt’s polytheistic canon. Nobody has ever done it before!
A mysterious, powerful, and beautiful woman; she is a great example of a woman’s limitless strength, who dared to challenge traditions and break stereotypes. Through her faith in the One Lord, art, architecture, and even the capital of the state have changed. This symbolic woman was able to make a huge difference for the country and its people. Also, she was an ideal and loving mother to her children.
In this series, Artist wants to present freedom and equality of the modern women through the beauty of the Ancient Queen. Nefertiti is the best example of liberation and the power to change, to revolutionize the old society with beauty and affection.
Before starting to work on Nefertiti series, Hossam Dirar spent a lot of time researching history and learning about Ancient Egypt and Pharaohs. He got very influenced by this, and now exploring more in this direction. So the next two years will be dedicated to the history and ancient culture.
Written by Julia Mozheyko
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