Cairo – Maii Abdo:
When the Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate announced that Amany Zahran had won the Mounir Kanaan Award for Artistic Creativity at the 2025 Egyptian Press Awards, it was more than just professional recognition.
For Zahran, the award was a profoundly human moment. She describes it as “a divine embrace that soothes my soul”—a sign that her dedication to every role she plays in life—artist, journalist, wife, and mother—has not gone unnoticed.
Balancing Journalism and Art… A Journey of the Soul
Zahran believes the secret lies in balance: giving each role its rightful place without letting one overshadow the other. In her studio, the canvas becomes her universe, while in the newsroom, her focus shifts to words, illustrations, and messages. She likens her life to a long film, where she takes the lead role in every chapter—but always with a touch of love and commitment.
Art That Carries People’s Faces
In her recent exhibition, “Om El Donia” (Mother of the World), Zahran chose to capture the essence of ordinary people.
Her painting of a rural market in Upper Egypt on a bright morning did not merely depict a location—it mirrored the warmth and authenticity of Egyptian life, from the vendors and children to the women and elders. “I want art to be lived, not just observed,” she says. “I want the viewer to feel as if they are truly part of the scene.”
Journalism as a School of Life
For Zahran, journalism taught her more than speed and precision—it brought her closer to the pulse of the street and the people. Inspiration no longer waits for her; she summons it at will. This constant engagement with real life has enriched her artistic vision, lending her paintings both realism and depth.
A Shared Mission: Art and Journalism
To her, both art and journalism serve the same purpose: expressing humanity. A single image, she believes, can open a dialogue more effectively than a thousand words. A painting, too, can awaken hidden emotions with just one glance.
A Dream That Never Ends
Zahran does not see herself in a race against time but in a lifelong journey with art and life. Her dream is simple yet profound: “to keep painting until my very last breath, never losing the childlike wonder that fuels creativity.
”She offers young talents a heartfelt piece of advice: “Be patient, persevere, and never compare your path to others. Every effort you give is rewarded by God in His own way. Stay focused, and remember: every hard worker has their share.”
