It seems that as much tragedy and pain the recent events have brought to Egyptians’ hearts, it has also managed to light the creative flames of several of our artists, and our very own Ahmed Chiha is no exception.

Moved by the current events, Chiha is putting his post-January 25 works on display at the Opera House in his latest exhibition to start next Saturday.  Held on February 11, the exhibition commemorates the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak after the January 25 events took place. The opening ceremony will be hosted by Abdel Moneim Kamel, chairman of the board of the National Cultural Center at the Cairo Opera House, and business tycoon Naguib Sawiris.

Reflecting on the changes taking place in the country, Chiha fights ignorance and backwardness through his art while paying homage to the martyrs and all those injured during the current events.

“A salute to the souls of Egypt’s martyrs and all those injured in the Egyptian masses’ march toward freedom, justice and equality in a day like this one, which seemed to us all to be drawing the features of victory,” Chiha said in a press release. “Today, we are going through critical times and I would like us to contemplate the great spiritual energy that united all of Egypt’s sons in one heart. This was the eternal, uniting Egypt that lit the civilization torch in the world since the dawn of history.”

Chiha also emphasizes the unity between all elements of society and stresses the freedom of creativity as the principal condition for freedom of expression and any artist’s dignity.

Chiha is a renowned Egyptian contemporary artist who has lived and worked in Alexandria, Cairo and the US. He headlined exhibitions in various major galleries in the US, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait, and has received both local and international recognition from the US. He has published various books and articles on art research and critique.

Chiha’s family is known for their artistic talents, with the painter's daughter actresses Hana, Hala and Maya Chiha all capturing critical acclaim for their roles.

The exhibition is held in the Main Art Gallery at the Cairo Opera House from February 11 to 22 from 10 am to 2 am and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm every day except Fridays. et