Evelyn Ashamallah, born in Dessouk, Kafr El-Sheikh (1948), is a prominent figure in the Egyptian art scene. She graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, specializing in the Painting Department, in 1973.
Ashamallah’s artistic journey extends beyond her canvas, as she has also made significant contributions as a journalist. During the years 1973 to 1975, Ashamallah served as a journalist for Rose Al-Youssef, a renowned Egyptian weekly publication. Her talents were not confined to traditional art forms; she demonstrated versatility by creating a cover drawing for “Egyptian Tales” published by the American University in 1986.
Ashamallah’s dedication to her craft led to her becoming a Technical Specialist in the General Organization for Cultural Palaces. As a testament to her commitment to the arts community, she became a founding member of the Artists Syndicate in Egypt and an active participant in Cairo Atelier.
In 1989, Evelyn Ashamallah was honored with a scholarship sponsored by the Egyptian government, providing her with opportunities for artistic exploration and growth from 1989 to 1993. Subsequently, she assumed the role of curator at the Nagui Museum from 1993 to 1995, contributing to the preservation and promotion of artistic heritage.
Her commitment to continuous learning and artistic development took her to the National Center for Fine Arts in Rome, where she received another scholarship in 1994. Throughout the late 1990s, Ashamallah served as a member of the jury for the “Salon of Youth” from 1996 to 2000, contributing to the recognition and support of emerging talent in the Egyptian art scene.
In 1997, Ashamallah participated in the “Aica” workshop held in Egypt, showcasing her dedication to collaborative artistic endeavors. Her artistic prowess extended beyond the canvas to literature, as her works were chosen as covers for 15 books by the General Organization for Culture Palaces in April 1999.
Evelyn Ashamallah’s passion for the arts and her significant contributions to the cultural landscape led her to a role as the Director of the Egyptian Contemporary Art Museum from 2000 to 2002.
About her journey, Ashamallah says:
1st period- after the graduation 1977
I began with simple pencil drawings as an extension of my graduation project which was searching in the metaphysic soul and the search for the impossible. and when I traveled to Algeria, I worked on portraits with still life and landscapes, in an abstract way (this was in small sizes ,black and white or colored drawings)
2nd period- 1984 – 1985
After I returned from Algeria, I returned to oil painting , in an abstract way using human and plant shapes.
3rd period – 1986-1995
Returning to the search for metaphysic and using distorted human figures mixed with animal and plant shapes.
In the beginning, I used wax colors and after that acrylic, oil painting and drawing..
4th period – 1996
Thinking in a childish free way, I used to play more: I always knew that art basically is the extreme freedom that could lead sometimes to play as a child.
This made my world full of details and gave my shapes different aspects.
This period continues till now .. but a little differently .
5th period- special period 2000-2003
I was intending to write about relatives and friends that I am not able to be with either because they are far away or because they have passed away.
Since I couldn’t write all the details about these beloved people, I decided to paint them. To paint my feelings and my love towards them.
And what pushed me to achieve this project is what the world is passing through now: all these wars, unfairness and famines.
So I began drawing the people who gave me happiness and love, like my aunt, my father, my father and mother in law, my neighbors and friends.
I tried to give them life again through my paintings.
I consider this period an exceptional one, different from my style in which I continue creating freely.
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