SSA Egypt\ Sculpture Symposium on the Nile

The 28th Aswan International Sculpture Symposium Alliance, and ISSA Egypt 2024 was held in Aswan on 

the Upper Nile from January 15th to March 5th. The Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Nevine El Kilani,

 and the Governor of Aswan, Major General Ashraf Attia, witnessed the closing of the 28th edition of 

the "International Sculpture Symposium in Aswan", organized by the Cultural Development Fund under

 the leadership of Dr. Walid Kanoush.

Minister of Culture stated: "Twenty-eight years have passed since one of the most important creative 

gatherings in Egypt and the world - the Aswan International Sculpture Symposium - which embodies 

a unique symphony with its own identity, crafted by the hands of talented artists from around the world, 

tracing the footsteps of ancient Egypt, whose works still stand proudly in museums and temples,

 continuing to educate the world about culture and art."

The Minister of Culture explained that in its 28th edition, the symposium featured 12 artists from Egypt 

and around the world, all working to embody the heritage of ancient Egyptian sculpture through 

their artistic works, resulting in distinctive works that blend modern expression with the profound impact of 

ancient art, aided by skilled craftsmen.

The Minister of Culture extended her thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this symposium,

 and to the Governor of Aswan for his continuous support for all the activities and events presented by

 the ministry in the governorate. She also thanked the high committee of the symposium and all 

those involved in the Cultural Development Fund sector for their efforts during this edition.

On his part, Governor Attia affirmed that the symposium has become a global artistic, cultural, and

 enlightenment event embraced by Aswan, which has always been and continues to be a center for 

the fusion of civilizations and cultures, as well as a source of authentic human heritage and a unique

 tourist destination.

Governor Attia explained that today's celebration marking the conclusion of the 28th edition of

 the Aswan International Symposium reflects the Egyptian state's interest - through the Ministry of

 Culture - in artistic and enlightenment creativity, turning Aswan into a meeting point for artists and 

creators from all over the world, and transforming it into a destination for top sculptors.

Dr. Walid Kanoush emphasized that this year's symposium presented exceptional artistic visions through

 the diverse artistic creations of the participants. He thanked the Minister of Culture and the Governor of 

Aswan for their continuous support, as well as the General Commissioner and the participating artists and

 their assistants, and all those working in the Cultural Development Fund sector.

Akram El-Magdoub, the General Commissioner of the Symposium, stated: "Over the past twenty-eight years,

 the Aswan International Sculpture Symposium has not just been an artistic event, but rather

 an important milestone that has spanned decades, attracting and bringing together artists and sculptors

 from around the world to exchange experiences and present their artistic works in an environment

 that encourages creativity and artistic expression, where cultures and ideas blend to develop the art of

 sculpture on Aswan's granite."

El-Magdoub further explained that the symposium succeeded in confirming Egypt as a global artistic center

 in the field of sculpture and opened up new horizons for cultural and artistic cooperation within

 the Arab region and beyond, by continuing to work according to the vision and philosophy of 

the symposium's founder, the artist Adam Henein. This involves maintaining the quality and diversity of

 artistic works, and adapting them to the granite material of Aswan and the natural environment of

 the open-air museum.

The closing activities included an inspection of the works of the participating artists in the 28th edition of 

the symposium, with artists; Marcus Harris - the honorary guest of the edition - from England,

 Jose Millan from Spain, Mikhail Supolev from Russia, Qian Sihua from China, and Victor Kopatch from Poland,

 along with Egyptian artists, Maged Mekhail, SheroukHelal, Therese Antoine, and Zeinab Sobhy.

 Three artists participated in the young sculptors workshop; Menna Askandrany, Mirna Isaac,

 and Nevine Khaphagy. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the participants, 

and tributes were paid to various figures, as well as to the assistants from Aswan, workers from

 the Irrigation and Quarries Directorate in Aswan, and the British University in Egypt, the academic partner of

 the symposium.

Contributor: Akram El Magdoub

Editor: Liu Qin, Song Mingcheng

Translator: Sun Ya’nan

Legal Advisor: Tao Ranting