Jamal Bassiouni is reshaping how we experience art. His third solo exhibition, Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls, is a bold, multidimensional celebration of Alexandria’s history, culture, and connection to the Mediterranean. Hosted by ArtTalks Gallery, the show reveals Bassiouni’s most ambitious vision yet.
Born in 1993 in Alexandria, Bassiouni’s artistic voice carries the weight of his hometown’s legacy. A city defined by its coastline and ancient history, Alexandria is more than a backdrop—it’s the foundation of his work. In this exhibition, Bassiouni fuses ancient Egyptian influences with modern techniques, reflecting the timeless connection between water and earth.
A Fusion of Mediums
The exhibition showcases a stunning blend of mediums. For the first time, Bassiouni presents hand-painted glazed pottery, iron boats, and recycled vinyl LPs, alongside his signature oil paintings. The result is an immersive journey that invites viewers to step into Alexandria’s layered narrative.
His iron boats drew the attention of the room. These sculptures, produced in collaboration with a team of young Egyptian artists, reimagine the ancient vessels that once connected Egypt to the Mediterranean world. Each piece speaks of journeys—physical, emotional, and historical.
A highlight of the exhibition is the series of boats. Each boat, hand-painted by ten emerging Egyptian artists, adds depth to the show. This collaborative effort transforms the gallery into a shared space, blending individual voices into a collective story.
In Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls, Bassiouni collaborates with ten young Egyptian artists to paint fiber-made Ancient Egyptian-inspired boats, each with their unique style in three different sizes. The participating artists are Ahmed Osman, Akram El Halwagy, Amir Abdel Ghani, Farida Sultan, Michael Wahid, Omar Senada, Pance Ahmed, Shady Hamed, Yehia Nour El Din, and Ziad Fawi.
Experiencing the Exhibition
Walking into ArtTalks Gallery, you’re immediately drawn into Bassiouni’s world. The juxtaposition of iron boats against hand-painted pottery creates a dynamic interplay of textures and forms. The recycled vinyl LPs, displayed as both individual works and part of a larger narrative, add a playful yet poignant touch.
A Tribute to Alexandria
At its core, Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls is a love letter to Alexandria. The city’s connection to water runs deep, shaping its identity for centuries. Bassiouni’s work bridges past and present, reminding viewers of the ancient ships that once anchored at Alexandria’s port, carrying goods, ideas, and culture.
His use of recycled vinyl LPs is particularly striking. These hand-painted records merge nostalgia with innovation, symbolizing Alexandria’s role as a hub where old meets new. Each LP tells a story, capturing the spirit of a city in constant motion.
An Artist’s Journey
Bassiouni’s artistic evolution mirrors his personal journey. After graduating with highest honors from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria, he earned an MFA in oil painting. His academic work delved into the impact of color and Ancient Egyptian beliefs in art, laying the foundation for his distinctive style.
In 2019, Bassiouni moved to Cairo. The shift from Alexandria’s tranquil shores to Cairo’s bustling streets brought new energy to his work. He began exploring sculptures and installations, experimenting with materials like metal, fiberglass, and clay. This period of growth is evident in Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls.
Bassiouni’s artistic resume is impressive. He’s exhibited at Egypt’s Youth and General Salons and participated in international workshops, including one at École Supérieure d’Art in France, and his work was also featured at the Biennale des Jeunes Créateurs de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée in 2015. Each experience has shaped his perspective, deepening his connection to Alexandria and the broader Mediterranean world.
More Than An Exhibition
Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls is more than an exhibition. It’s a conversation about heritage, identity, and collaboration. In an age where fast-paced trends often overshadow history, Bassiouni’s work is a reminder of the power of roots.
The inclusion of young artists within Bassiouni’s exhibition is about passing the torch, ensuring that Alexandria’s legacy continues to inspire new generations. Through this collaboration, Bassiouni transforms the gallery into a living, breathing space—one where history and creativity converge.
As Bassiouni’s artistic journey unfolds, one thing is clear: his work resonates. It’s rooted in tradition but unafraid to push boundaries. Through Mermaids, Vessels, and Vinyls, he’s crafted an experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.