Abstract, work, with colorful backgrounds, often set off by a bold stroke of black, exemplify the disciplined work of Farouk Hosny, one of Egypt’s most well-regarded modern artists.

Born and raised in Alexandria, Hosny graduated from Alexandria’s School of Fine Arts in 1964, Hosny has become as beloved for his steadfast patronage of the arts in his native country, as he is for his assured, gestural works of art.
Upon graduating from the Alexandria School of Fine Arts, Hosny immediately started the prestigious post of Director of El Anfoushy Culture Palace, and then followed that accomplishment with the appointment to be the Director of the Egyptian Cultural Centre in Paris, France from 1970-1978, and the Director of the Egyptian Academy of Rome, Italy in 1979-1987. Hosny capped this illustrious string of appointments returning to his beloved home to serve as Egypt’s Minister of Culture until 2011.

Hosny’s long and selfless career as a patron of the arts has been distinguished by a dogged determination to begin with an ambitious vision – and then bring it to fruition – a practice that led him to successfully complete a plethora of public works projects in his overarching effort to both democratize the art world in Egypt and the region – giving Egypt’s citizens both pride and education in their artistic heritage – and to give a platform to many talented contemporary artists in the region.

From the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – now under construction in Fustat, and the only museum in an Islamic city to exclusively showcase Egyptian art and culture, to his personal foundation that funds contemporary art projects and commissions young artists in order that they may further their careers, Hosny has been indefatigable and nearly unique in his unflagging dedication to bring art showcasing Egypt correctly as cradle of civilization