São Paulo – The Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (Ifsul) in Camaquã plans on bringing foreign artists, including an Egyptian, to Brazil. The artists will participate in Projeto Diálogos com a Arte Contemporânea (Contemporary Art Dialogues Project), where they present their view on their work and production to the students. Sculptor Ali Moustafa is the guest from Egypt.
The artists are invited to propose an activity, such as a workshop, a talk about their work or even the production of a joint work. Moustafa has determined he’ll show his creative process, talk about contemporary art in Egypt, Egypt’s current culture, aspects of the Arab culture, and give a sculpture workshop.
“The goal is bridging the gap between students and contemporary art production. Not just in sculpture but by bringing artists from other fields, too, such as circus and theater,” says Catiuscia Dotto, sculptor and professor at Ifsul, who was in Egypt in 2019 for the World Youth Forum.
Moustafa worked as an assistant artist at the event, when Dotto met his work. “In Alexandria, I could notice how acquainted Moustafa is with Egypt’s ancient and modern culture. So, I wanted to bring his voice to my students,” the professor explained. The Egyptian has works on display in public spaces in the Arab country, such as Sharm El Sheikh (pictured above).
The event is scheduled for July, but the organizers are waiting for the developments in the new coronavirus pandemic to decide if they will need to postpone it. So far, the institute has managed to arrange bed and board for the sculptor but seeks out for sponsorship for his flight tickets.
The professor explains that, given the current moment of cuts in education and culture in Brazil, it wasn’t possible to reciprocate the invitation she had received from the Egyptian government. “I came back very excited from Egypt, and it’s impressive how little we know about it, how people have prejudices because they don’t get closer, so they don’t learn about that culture. Just like I could take Brazilian art there, I want to keep working on bringing Egyptian modern, contemporary art here. Art is a universal language and we must bridge these gaps,” she says.
Moustafa produces works with metal and is also an art professor with a degree from the University of Alexandria. “I used to work with materials such as wood and Egyptian granite. But I’m interested in metal as it’s so powerful, you can do whatever you want [with it]. For me, Brazilian contemporary art is something important to add to my work and I believe the exchange of skills and culture is very, very important in art education,” explains the artist, who plans to bring information on Egyptian art culture and take back more knowledge about Brazilian art.
The Egyptian’s visit is expected to last one month and includes two other events. The artist will also participate in the 5th Sculpture Symposium in Santa Maria, an independent event organized by Arte Pública group of local artists. And the third invitation is to talk to Scenic Art students at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM).
The companies that support the event will have their brand on the promotional material. Those interested in sponsor it can contact Catiuscia Dotto by phone: +55 (55) 99173-1827, or email: catiuscia.dotto@camaqua.ifsul.edu.br.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda