NYAB Event - Britt Boutrous-Ghali "My Egypt"

Britt Boutrous-Ghali "My Egypt"

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“For me these portraits represent the steadfast Egyptian woman. She is coquette and loves to dress up. She hides behind these masks that she uses to cover up who she really is. You never really truly get to know her. What you do get to know is how she wants to see herself. Ironically, even the most unattractive Egyptian woman has incredible self-esteem and confidence, which western women lack. There is intrigue and there is the moment of surprise and daring with regards to personal embellishment and presentation. Everything is about seduction. This is what makes these women so powerful.”

“The women in these paintings have no limits. They stand strong and convey harmony and love to the onlooker, and tell you that only you are responsible for your life. They are telling you to get order and structure into your life. The possibilities are enormous. They celebrate the strength of women. Not just Egyptian women, but also in a universal sense.”

“My life in Egypt is one that is quite special. I work in a fairly secluded way without the imposition of the artistic wave of the moment. I have the freedom to allow my work to explore a more fantastical perspective. While expressing my own internal world I am also reflecting my environment and the people in my world through my work.”

“I started the women’s portraits with a series of pastels that were created outside of my studio. They were a refreshing momentary departure from the abstract work. It was like playing with decoration and embellishment, and was joyful and refreshing. Small works on paper grew into larger and larger canvases as the women became nearly an obsession. Each woman I painted had a power over both me and people who came to see them.”

“My experience of Egypt is unique because of the unique life I share with my husband, who is Egyptian, and the visceral sense of warmth from the sunshine everyday. The sounds and smells of the city surround you, while there is also a great sense of peace. The people that are in my world for me are very authentic characters.”

“I am very optimistic about the new Egypt. I think that it will be a bumpy road for a while, but there is so much freshness with the youth. I see that people are happier and they have hope. I see a revitalized spirit amongst artists. I think this is the beginning to a new world and a new vision. I think this will continue to spread around the whole world.”

–Britt Boutrous-Ghali