Egyptian artist Nathan Doss has inaugurated his new exhibition 'Into the Depths' at the Zamalek Art Gallery, celebrating ancient Egyptian civilization through a collection of ritualistic and totemic forms dating back to the 'Great Mother' era. The exhibition emphasizes the significance of the earth as a habitat for beings, a concept manifested in numerous sculptures that allude to the birth of humans, seeds, and legends.
The exhibition includes over 20 diverse artworks, crafted using various materials such as quartz and diorite, which are among the hardest stones. The artist has embarked on a new experience filled with ideas and symbols from ancient times, where the earth – the mother – is depicted as the center of existence.
Event Details
The exhibition features sculptures that express diverse ideas about good and evil and struggle, alongside the impact of regulations and laws on the human psyche. Nathan Doss states, "I used several materials in this exhibition; in addition to bronze, there is quartz from which I created the statue of Akhenton, and for the first time, I present works made of diorite." He added, "I presented a large collection of forms representing ancient rituals and totemic symbols that speak about the philosophy of creation and birth."
Among the notable works in the exhibition is a small statue of a frog symbolizing an ancient creation myth, where ancient Egyptian legends speak of the god Khnum, who begins the creation process on a pottery wheel, witnessed by a frog named Haget. Nathan also confirmed that he worked on a collection consisting of 50 pieces of diorite, representing tools and ritual forms.
Background & Context
The 'Great Mother' period is considered an ancient era centered around the ideas of fertility and birth, where women embody a symbol of these concepts. The exhibition also includes sculptures of well-known historical figures, such as a 'portrait' statue of Akhenton, the Egyptian king from the 18th dynasty, which serves as a tribute to the Grand Egyptian Museum and to those who champion Egyptian identity.
The exhibition also features a statue of the myth of Sisyphus, where Nathan presents a modern interpretation of this myth by depicting Sisyphus holding a mobile phone and taking a 'selfie' with the rock, reflecting human suffering in the face of challenges.
Impact & Consequences
The exhibition aims to present works that carry ideas touching on humanity and its relationship with lived reality, as Nathan Doss seeks to explore deeper meanings of human existence. Among the significant works in the exhibition is a granite pillow lying on the ground, reflecting the idea of comfort and fatigue in the artwork.
The philosophy of the exhibition is manifested in its pursuit of presenting a new vision of the relationship between humans and nature, reflecting their interaction through sculptures that embody philosophical ideas about humanity's struggle to reach the truth hidden beneath the earth.
Regional Significance
This exhibition represents an opportunity to revive Egyptian cultural and artistic heritage, contributing to the enhancement of cultural identity in the Arab region. It also reflects the ability of art to express humanitarian and philosophical issues, making it a platform for cultural and artistic dialogue among different generations.
In conclusion, the 'Into the Depths' exhibition represents a rich artistic experience that rediscover the ancient Egyptian civilization and highlights the importance of rituals and totemism in shaping cultural identity.