(1925 –  2021)

Gazbia Sirry, born in Cairo in 1925, emerged as a prominent Egyptian artist, leaving an indelible mark on the art world over a career spanning six decades. Initially studying fine arts at the Higher Institute of Art Education for Women Teachers in 1950, she later became a professor at the institute and the American University in Cairo. With over 50 personal exhibitions, international prizes, scholarships, and recognition from global museums, Sirry’s artistic journey reflects a profound commitment to her craft.

In the early phases of her career, Sirry’s work celebrated powerful female figures, emphasizing their roles in shaping the Egyptian Republic. However, as political restrictions intensified in the late 1950s, her art underwent a transformative shift towards abstraction and expressionism. This period of change was fueled by her imprisonment in 1959 on allegations of Communist activity, marking a resilient determination to continue her bold and vibrant artistic expressions.

The trajectory of Sirry’s career can be delineated into three distinct periods. The 1930s and 1940s saw powerful portrayals of women defining the new Egyptian Republic. Moving into the 1950s and 1960s, her art transitioned to abstract and expressionist forms, mirroring personal and cultural conflicts amid political turmoil. In the late 1960s, influenced by American abstract expressionism during a fellowship in California, Sirry embraced non-figurative representations.

Throughout her life, Sirry’s artistic exploration served as a “complex political project,” responding to the tumultuous political landscape in Egypt. Recognized internationally, her contributions to both the University and Egypt extend beyond art, positioning her as a historian of Egypt’s culture for over 60 years. Gazbia Sirry’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and a profound impact on Egyptian art and culture.

Source: Wikipedia
Image source: Mathaf
Artworks source: The American University in Cairo (AUC)