Dr. Amani Zahran: I Believe in the Integration of Generations, for Difference Is the Essence of Creativity

Cairo – Maii Abdo:

Emerging from a simple idea inspired by the celebration of Egyptian Valentine’s Day, the exhibition “He and She” has taken shape as an artistic and human experience that transcends the conventional concept of a visual art display. Dr. Amani Zahran, founder of the Basma Art Movement and curator of the exhibition, explains that the initiative represents a natural extension of a previous exhibition held at the same venue last year under the title “People of Love.” This year, however, she sought to present a more comprehensive and profound vision that reflects broader human and artistic dimensions.

The choice of the title “He and She” was deliberate and deeply symbolic. According to Dr. Zahran, these two elements represent the fundamental poles of life in all its manifestations—not only in human relationships, but also in nature, objects, animals, and birds, and in the universal rhythm that governs existence.

At its core, the exhibition conveys a clear message: love is an act of resistance, and art has a vital role in reminding humanity of this truth amid a world burdened by conflict, anxiety, and uncertainty.Dr. Zahran firmly believes that art should serve as a shared space for connection rather than division.

This conviction stems from a personal journey shaped since childhood, when she regularly accompanied her father to exhibitions and cultural gatherings of his generation. Through those early experiences, she learned the value of mentorship, the exchange of expertise, and the importance of role models—dreaming one day of exhibiting her work alongside established artists.

This philosophy has translated into a conscious curatorial approach that brings together artists of different generations, backgrounds, and levels of experience, including emerging talents and artists of determination. She maintains that diversity is the true source of artistic richness, and that creative experiences reach their fullest expression only through intergenerational dialogue and interaction.

Despite the wide range of artistic schools and visual languages represented, Dr. Zahran emphasizes that the exhibition was guided by a clear and carefully constructed curatorial vision. From reviewing a large number of submitted works to selecting those that achieved visual and conceptual harmony under the overarching theme, the process was marked by precision and foresight.

She describes the most challenging phase as the orchestration of the artworks prior to installation, where the goal was to achieve visual coherence among nearly seventy participating artists, each with distinct techniques, subjects, and perspectives. She likens this process to conducting an orchestra, ensuring that no discordant note disrupts the composition, and that the viewer moves seamlessly from one artwork to another.

As the founder of the Basma Art Movement, Dr. Zahran regards the initiative not merely as an exhibition platform, but as a journey of continuous growth. She expresses pride in witnessing the tangible development of young talents from one exhibition to the next, viewing this evolution as clear evidence that sustained support and belief in artists inevitably yield meaningful results.

The strong public turnout and the presence of prominent cultural figures carried, in her view, a significance far beyond social courtesy. It represented a mutual gesture of appreciation—an honor extended by distinguished guests and, simultaneously, a powerful form of moral support for the participating artists, reaffirming that their work is valued and that art continues to occupy a vital place within public consciousness.

Dr. Zahran also participated in the exhibition with a personal artwork that visually encapsulates the exhibition’s theme in a direct and romantic manner. The piece depicts a young man offering a flower to a woman at sunset by the sea, symbolizing human emotions that are both simple and profoundly universal.

While this contribution aligns naturally with her broader artistic vision, she notes that it demands additional effort to maintain a clear separation between her role as curator and her identity as an artist. She adds that her creative process often unfolds during the early hours of dawn and the beginning of the day—moments of clarity and inner illumination—whereas the organizational aspect requires an entirely different form of mental focus.

Commenting on the new generation of artists, Dr. Zahran acknowledges their exceptional access to global artistic experiences through modern technology, while cautioning against direct imitation. She consistently encourages young artists to absorb and analyze these influences, then transform them into original expressions that carry a distinct personal signature.

Regarding the role of art in addressing human and emotional challenges, Dr. Zahran underscores the profound impact of soft power, asserting that a single image can be as powerful as a thousand words. Art, she explains, offers solace and healing to wounded souls—whether creator or viewer—a truth evidenced by the sense of transformation people often experience after visiting a compelling exhibition or engaging with a meaningful artwork.

Looking ahead, Dr. Zahran reveals her intention to continue this experience in varied forms, with plans for annual exhibitions under new titles that convey the same underlying philosophy. She also shares a long-held ambition to organize artistic tours across different governorates once she is able to devote herself fully to the project beyond her professional commitments.

She concludes with a deeply personal message to artists and audiences alike, stating that art has been her lifelong companion for more than three decades and has never failed her.

“The more I give to art,” she reflects, “the more it gives back. It is my refuge and my escape whenever life becomes overwhelming.”The next milestone in this ongoing journey will be a forthcoming exhibition titled “The Magic of Art,” envisioned as an open space for expressing this magic from multiple perspectives.

In this broader context, Dr. Amani Zahran emerges as a distinctive figure who seamlessly bridges vision and execution, human sensitivity and artistic awareness. Her creativity is reflected not only in her own works, but also in her ability to create a genuine, supportive environment that embraces diversity and empowers artists with confidence and trust.

She does not merely organize exhibitions; she composes immersive experiences—guided by the eye of an artist and the heart of a maestro—resulting in harmonious presentations that embody sincerity of vision and nobility of purpose. With each new endeavor, Dr. Zahran continues to affirm that creativity is not solely an individual act, but a responsibility, a message, and a lasting imprint on the collective consciousness of art and life.