Adam Henein is widely considered one of the most influential Arab artists of his generation. His work is easily recognizable, incorporating themes such as birds, boats and symbols of motherhood and spirituality. Employing traditional Egyptian materials such as bronze, granite and papyrus, Henein’s resulting work is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian artifacts that reference various Egyptian icons and range from intimate to monumental forms.
1980s
Our Lady of the Nile
52 x 35 cm | Natural pigments and gum arabic on papyrus
1980s
Monument
40 x 32 cm | Natural pigments and gum arabic on papyrus
Born to a family of Gold Metalworkers, Henein went on to pursue a degree in sculpture, graduating from the Academy of Fine Art in Cairo in 1953 and by the 1960s, he was renowned as one of Egypt’s foremost sculptors. After moving to Paris in 1972, he began experimenting with painting, exploring ancient Egyptian representations. Between 1989- 1998, Henein headed the design team that was responsible for the restoration of the Great Sphynx of Giza, receiving international recognition for his work.
After 25 years of living in Paris, Henein returned to Egypt and since then, produced a number of granite sculptures. In 1996, he established the International Sculpture Symposium in Aswan, Egypt, a city renowned for its granite quarries since Antiquity. In 2014, he converted his home in Giza, Egypt, into a museum.
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