Farghali Abdel Hafiz is one of Egypt's most established artists and this exhibition at Lawrie Shabibi Gallery is his first solo in the UAE.  Abdel-Hafiz studied at the Academy of Fine Art in Florence, has exhibited in galleries all over the world , and was featured in international biennials, including Sao Paolo, Venice, and China.

His style or technique is dynamic because of the application of bright and raw colors that he mixes with different media and materials such as sand, mud and clay. I particularly loved the rich color combination of turquoise and pink seen in some of the pieces presented. The artist's work often carries a political message playing on Egyptian culture and questions the country's tumultuous present. Egypt is currently in the midst of a series of changes, the outcome of which cannot be predicted. Farghali's current work is a reaction to this crisis. It reflects both his concerns and his optimism that the positive aspects of the country will persevere.

The exhibition is held in collaboration with Zamalek Art Gallery, Cairo and is generously supported by EFG Hermes.