From Coding in Minya to Painting in Cairo: Decoding Mostafa Rabie’s Art

Growing up listening to his grandmother’s folktales and being raised in Minya, Mostafa Rabie couldn’t help but to fall in love with art. Despite his passion for art, Mostafa decided to test his limits by pursuing a career in computer programming, only to abandon that eventually and pursue his Art full-time. Fascinated by his vibrant and playful art, we visited Mostafa in his new solo exhibition “The Age of Innocence” at Zamalek Art Gallery.

“I chose to study computer programming because I truly loved it, but it prevented me from pursuing my number one passion art,” he says. “Being raised in a family of artists it was no surprise that I was going to develop a passion for art. I just didn’t want to go to art school, I didn’t want to be constrained to produce a certain type of academic art” he adds.  

“I have always been fascinated by work of arts that tell a story, I believe that you need to feel emotionally connected to the work you produce”

 

Mostafa’s work is highly connected to storytelling each piece has a special and simple story of everyday life. “I have always been fascinated by work of arts that tell a story, I believe that you need to feel emotionally connected to the work you produce,” he explains.

 

We couldn’t help but feel nostalgic surrounded by his latest collection that mainly focuses on our pure and jovial childhood that will forever resonate in our memories. “The exhibition is called the Age of Innocence as each piece is linked to a childhood memory in our lives, for instance riding your scooter with your friends on the street, or even playing with paper airplanes” he says.

 

Speaking about the art scene in Cairo, Mostafa says “I think the art scene is booming more than ever. There are many talented young artists emerging, reaching a larger audience on local and international levels” he explains.

Adding his advice for contemporary artists, “There are many challenges artists face especially when it comes to understanding their art. When I first started I didn’t think that people would accept the work I do, but then I realized that I just need to continue to do what I love and fight for what I believe in” he says.

 

Follow Mostafa on Instagram @mostafa.rabe342

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