About the Artist
About
Elhamy Naguib
Born in Cairo in December 1944, Naguib received a B.Sc. in Interior Design from the faculty of Fine Arts, Cairo, in 1967. he pursued post-graduate studies in the History of Islamic Art and Architecture at the American University in Cairo (AUC).
He also received an AAS degree in Graphics and commercial Art from Utah Valley community college. ” Some artists fall under the spell of certain themes, ideas or interpretations as I have. I am fascinated by the power in life, and I want to share it through my
work. ” Influenced by the work of Chagall, Miro, Klee, and the richly illustrated Islamic manuscripts, Naguib’s own hi8ghly individual style combines mathematical precision with a childlike spontaneity. Some of his illustrations appeared in Sabah el- Kheer magazine, Radio and Television magazine, and some American magazine. He held a number of one-person shows and participated in many group exhibitions.
His designs and paintings have been sold in the USA, Egypt, Japan and Europe. Naguib’s published portfolios include the scenes of Cairo; Egyptian Vistas; Stories of the Egyptian Minstrel; Folk Costumes of Egypt; Seasons; Disappearing faces of Cairo; Horses; Pharaonic Impressions; Portraits from Egypt; Simple People; Simple Joys; Ages of Man; The Zodiac, Murals for the Love of Egypt and Folk Games of Egyptian children. He also designed and illustrated six activity books on Egypt culture, two on air pollution and water conservation and one on the anecdotes of Guha. Moreover, he designed and executed 11 large murals with 7-12 year-old children placed in the cancer institute, the children museum, Mubarak library & other institutions.
In woodwork, Naguib introduced two new lines of furniture, designed sculptures and toys. He also hosts a weekly TV program teaching art and creative thinking to children. Naguib introduced the art calendar in Egypt in 1977 and helped introduce modern color separation. He was Art Director for two major advertising agencies, AMA and Public Graphics in Egypt and systems in the USA. He started Graffiti Cairo in 1981 and specialized in designing print campaigns for a good number of prestigious institutions. He was the public Awareness Manager at the Cairo Air Improvement Project from 1997 to 2002.
His designs and paintings have been sold in the USA, Egypt, Japan and Europe. Naguib’s published portfolios include the scenes of Cairo; Egyptian Vistas; Stories of the Egyptian Minstrel; Folk Costumes of Egypt; Seasons; Disappearing faces of Cairo; Horses; Pharaonic Impressions; Portraits from Egypt; Simple People; Simple Joys; Ages of Man; The Zodiac, Murals for the Love of Egypt and Folk Games of Egyptian children. He also designed and illustrated six activity books on Egypt culture, two on air pollution and water conservation and one on the anecdotes of Guha. Moreover, he designed and executed 11 large murals with 7-12 year-old children placed in the cancer institute, the children museum, Mubarak library & other institutions.
In woodwork, Naguib introduced two new lines of furniture, designed sculptures and toys. He also hosts a weekly TV program teaching art and creative thinking to children. Naguib introduced the art calendar in Egypt in 1977 and helped introduce modern color separation. He was Art Director for two major advertising agencies, AMA and Public Graphics in Egypt and systems in the USA. He started Graffiti Cairo in 1981 and specialized in designing print campaigns for a good number of prestigious institutions. He was the public Awareness Manager at the Cairo Air Improvement Project from 1997 to 2002.
Education
After finishing my studies in Fine Arts, and Interior design I decided to become a Graphic artist and a painter. I later studied Islamic Architecture at AUC and Graphics. I had many one man shows and participated/ initiated many group exhibitions. I was influenced by Klimt, Chagall, Ancient manuscripts, and Cubism. Critics describe my art as both childish and mathematical. Most of my work exhibits sun kissed colors, a tight composition and great attention to texture. My art reflects my Egyptian roots but I do not enshrine historical styles, I comment on them. In art I celebrate love and communication, and predominantly the joie de vivre.