Magic of Alexandria exhibition at Safarkhan Gallery

CAIRO – 3 April 2018: Sculptors Alfons Louis and Sarkis Tossoonian are hosting a dual exhibition at Safarkhan Gallery from April 12 until May 4.

Titled "The Magic of Alexandria", this exhibition brings together the raw, unique talents of two of Alexandria's finest sculptors together, exemplifying the best that the city's artistic scene has to offer.

Both are now internationally renowned names, achieving as much praise and acclaim abroad as they do within their homeland of Egypt, offering up their memoirs and artistic motivations.Tossoonian is known for his trademark work with bronze and brass, shaping them with expert skill to create incredibly lifelike yet stylized human figures.



[Example of Tossoonian's work, March 30, 2018 - Statement from the Safarkhan Gallery]


Forgoing just the right amount of anatomical detail, Tossoonian casts his figures with dark and weathered bronze, creating a striking and powerful impression that implores viewers to focus on the freedom and contrast of his figures.

While Tossoonian focuses on the human form, Louis utilizes woodwork mixed with carpentry to create fascinating mixed-media carvings. He draws on the rich traditions of Egypt's Coptic artworks and Christian imagery, with Fayoum portraits adorned in rich frames that create a unique presence. His creative direction has also recently included influences from Greco-Roman art, which helps bring the Coptic influences back full circle.

Born in Alexandria in 1953, Tossoonian graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts/Sculpture in 1979 and has since been exhibiting in group and solo exhibitions. In 2001, his artwork would finally receive an award – second prize in sculpture at the 5th Biennale of Port Said.

Originally specializing in metals, his favorite material, Tossoonian decided to branch out and carve out statues from granite, and he hopes to be able to finally sculpt with the material that he has always wanted after struggling with it for some time.

Louis was born in Cairo in 1959 and graduated from the Faculty of Fine Art and Painting in Alexandria. By 1982, he joined the Plastic Art Egypt group, Atelier Alexandria and the Alexandria Work Shop Center.

He has exhibited in various venues, such as Alexandria's Spanish Cultural Center in 1988, the Greece Cultural Center in 1997 and the Atelier Cairo in 2001. He won the painting prize from the National Competition of Plastic Art and received a certificate from the Youth Salon in 1998. Overall, Louis has participated in over 40 solo/group exhibitions both locally and internationally.