ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Art, Kitsch and Nationalism in Egypt and Syria

publication · 2026-04-23

Victoria Ambrosini-Chenivesse profiles contemporary art in Egypt and Syria, two countries where the art scene is still nascent. The production occurs within a visually kitsch and politically nationalist context that partially hinders but does not completely obstruct engagement with international art developments. The article is part of a series initiated by Laure Guirguis's piece on Lebanon and Beirut in the January issue (ap 330), aiming to present a more positive perspective on the Middle East than typical news coverage.

Key facts

  • Article by Victoria Ambrosini-Chenivesse
  • Focuses on Egypt and Syria
  • Part of a series on Middle Eastern art
  • Series began with Laure Guirguis on Lebanon and Beirut
  • Published in artpress April 2007 issue
  • Contemporary art in these countries is described as nascent
  • Context is visually kitsch and politically nationalist
  • This context partially hinders international openness

Entities

Artists

  • Victoria Ambrosini-Chenivesse
  • Laure Guirguis

Institutions

  • artpress

Locations

  • Egypt
  • Syria
  • Lebanon
  • Beirut
  • Middle East

Sources