Cairo –Maii Abdo:
In a day filled with inspiration and artistic dialogue, the College of Design and Creative Arts at Al-Ahram Canadian University hosted a special workshop and lecture titled “Journalistic and Documentary Art”, presented by Dr. Amani Zahran — visual artist, journalist, and Director of the Department of Collections and Art Gallery at the prestigious Al-Ahram Foundation.
The event was organized under the supervision of Dr. Fayrouz Samir, Head of the Visual Arts Department, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of students and faculty members who share a deep passion for visual and journalistic creativity.
From the very beginning, Dr. Zahran captivated the audience with her calm presence and profound insights. She spoke about the subtle bond between journalism and art, describing it as “a dialogue between truth and beauty, where the artist becomes both witness and storyteller.”
She emphasized that journalistic art is not merely illustration, but a living testimony — a reimagining of events through emotion, color, and human depth.
Reflecting on her long-standing career at Al-Ahram Foundation, she described it as a “school of heritage and vision,” where she learned to preserve Egypt’s artistic memory and document its cultural transformations through both her pen and her brush.
During her lecture, Dr. Zahran explored the technical and creative dimensions of journalistic drawing — from the conceptual spark to execution and print production — shedding light on how printing technologies influence the aesthetic and expressive quality of published artworks. “Every printed color, every line,” she said, “has a story to tell. The printing press is not a limitation; it is a new medium of creativity.”
To further inspire her audience, she showcased a selection of her award-winning works, which have earned her national recognition — including the Mounir Kanaan Award for Artistic Creativity at the 2025 Egyptian Press Awards, and the Mohamed Eissa El-Sharkawy Award for Foreign Coverage for her deeply human series on the war in Sudan, a project she described as “a spiritual journey through pain, faith, and compassion.”
Dr. Zahran also reflected on her recent experience organizing the “October Victory Epic” Art Exhibition at the Egypt Public Library in Dokki, held under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with Soft Power for Artistic Production, headed by novelist Dr. Mona Zaki.
The exhibition, which coincided with a symposium titled “The Strategic Dimension of Soft Power and Its Role in the October Victory Epic,” celebrated the heroic spirit of the Egyptian people and the enduring power of cultural expression.
She explained that art, at its core, is one of the most profound instruments of soft power, saying:> “Art is not only beauty — it is influence, awareness, and identity. When journalism meets art, something extraordinary happens: truth gains a soul, and beauty finds a purpose.”
Toward the end of the workshop, Dr. Zahran offered a heart
felt message to the students, urging them to remain faithful to their creative journey:> “Art, like life, reveals its secrets only to those who are sincere. Be patient, persevere, and never lose your sense of wonder — for wonder is the heartbeat of creativity.”
The session concluded with applause and admiration, leaving students inspired by her words and moved by her authenticity. Many described the workshop as “a turning point” — a moment that redefined their understanding of art as both message and mission.
Through her remarkable career — bridging fine arts, journalism, and cultural leadership — Dr. Amani Zahran continues to embody the true essence of Egyptian creativity: a blend of intellect, emotion, and dedication. Her journey stands as a testament that when art is lived with sincerity, it becomes light — a light that touches lives and endures through generations.
