In the historic district of Fustat, Cairo, where remnants of the ancient Islamic capital reveal a legacy of trade and culture, the unique artistry of Fustat ware becomes a source of inspiration for contemporary artist Ibrahim Said. Known for its iridescent luster glaze, often adorned with intricate designs, this centuries-old pottery resurfaces in Said’s exhibition “Shaping Time” at Yossi Milo Gallery. His contemporary sculptures are prevalent in this exhibition, raising interest in bridging past and present through his ornate sculptures.
Said’s recent solo exhibition marks a significant exploration of traditional craftsmanship with modern expression. Following his completion of the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vacheron Constantin Artisan Residency, where he immersed himself in The Met’s collection for 18 months, these modern pieces are deeply informed by this experience, allowing the artist to reflect historical and contemporary influences.
To see how traditional art forms continue to inspire contemporary creations, check out how Daniel Minter’s sculptural journey uses handcrafted pieces to narrate ancestral stories.
A Dance of Histories, Futures, and Ibrahim Said’s Sculptures
The exhibition “Shaping Time” views time through a lens that’s not linear but rather layered, where histories, potential futures, and current creations coalesce. By drawing on both Islamic and ancient Egyptian influences, Said reimagines the concept of the vessel. His ceramics, linked by graceful concave pillars or flowing curves, embody a dualistic elegance that transcends eras. These artworks are a reflection of this duality, emphasizing the connection between different time periods.
Delving further, Said’s work interrogates themes of life’s transience and enduring legacy, establishing a dialogue between what is fleeting and what remains. Each sculpture, part of the collection he is known for, features symmetrical precision and intricate latticework patterning, echoing the painstaking process of creation and reflecting the passage of time as both subject and medium. As the gallery notes, “His works treat time as a material, suggesting that shaping an object is also a way of shaping our relationship to time.”
The exhibition “Shaping Time” opens today in New York and will be on view until January 9. More insights into Ibrahim Said’s artistry and creative journey can be found on his personal Instagram.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the inspiration for Ibrahim Said’s sculptures?
The unique artistry of Fustat ware, known for its iridescent luster glaze and intricate designs, inspires contemporary artist Ibrahim Said in his exhibition ‘Shaping Time’ at Yossi Milo Gallery.
What is the theme of the exhibition ‘Shaping Time’?
The exhibition ‘Shaping Time’ views time through a lens that’s not linear but rather layered, where histories, potential futures, and current creations coalesce.
When is the ‘Shaping Time’ exhibition open to the public?
The exhibition ‘Shaping Time’ opens today in New York and will be on view until January 9.
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