Egyptian artist bridges cultures in Seoul exhibition

Egyptian artist Dina Fahmy El Rougy stands next to her painting, "The Whirling Dervish" in the Egyptian Embassy in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong

Cairo-born artist Dina Fahmy El Rouby presented her works in an exhibition at the Egyptian Embassy in Korea over the weekend, celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt.

Titled "From Nile to Han," the now-concluded exhibition featured 45 works, including calligraphy and oil paintings. Some pieces incorporate augmented reality, allowing viewers to enjoy immersive experiences.

“When selecting the artworks (for this exhibition), I wanted to create a connection between the two nations. So I thought a lot about colors,” El Rouby told The Korea Times in an interview in Seoul, Monday.

“I tried to integrate, for instance, the Korean flag’s blue, red and white with Egyptian or Pharaonic symbols like the key of life, the Eye of Horus or the lotus flower.”

She explained the lotus flower symbolizes eternity, while the Eye of Horus means protection, health and restoration.

The exhibition is part of a series of events the embassy is hosting this year to promote Egyptian culture in Korea. A separate exhibition, "Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramesses II," is currently on view at the Theatre des Lumieres in Grand Walkerhill Seoul.

Although new to the Korean art scene, El Rouby is an accomplished artist, curator and art critic in Egypt.

Born into a non-artistic family, she began her art career just 12 years ago.

“When I was young, I studied tourism and hotel management in university. Then, maybe 12 years ago, I fully committed to art. That’s why I always tell people — it’s never too late to switch careers and pursue what you truly love.”

El Rouby is also outspoken about the need to empower women in the arts.

“If I asked you to name five artists, you’d probably name four or even all five as male. Female artists don’t get the same press attention or opportunities,” she said, adding that she hopes to invite young Korean artists to a forum she plans to organize next year.

Reflecting on her experience in Korea so far, she said, “I’ve been positively surprised by the dynamic vibes from the streets and people. The rhythm here is so energetic and inspiring.”

Due to a tight schedule, El Rouby has yet to visit local galleries and museums, but she hopes to return in September for Frieze Seoul.

She describes her creative process as intuitive and spontaneous. For instance, she found inspiration on the way to Gwangjang Market in Seoul last weekend.

“I saw this sculpture of a seesaw, with a mother on one side and her children on the other. It looked so joyful — it gave me such positive energy. I was inspired by how a simple game could carry so much happiness and meaning.”