"The Cultural Context and Expressive Authenticity in Hussein El Gebaly’s Printmaking Art"

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Graphic Department , Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University

2 Criticism and Art Appreciation Department - Art Education Faculty-Menia University - Menia

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between cultural context and expressive authenticity in the artworks of Egyptian artist Hussein El Gebaly, one of the most prominent figures in Arab printmaking. The research analyzes how El Gebaly integrated elements of local cultural identity—such as Arabic calligraphy, Islamic ornamentation, and Pharaonic symbolism—with global artistic movements like abstraction, Cubism, and Surrealism, within the framework of social and political transformations.

Using descriptive and historical analytical methods, the study traces the evolution of El Gebaly’s visual language across different phases of his career. The findings confirm that El Gebaly developed an authentic visual discourse rooted in cultural consciousness, while remaining open to modern techniques and experimentation. His artworks offer critical reflections on Egyptian and Arab realities, symbolically referencing issues such as the 1967 defeat, Arab disunity, and societal change.

The study highlights the expressive power of printmaking as a medium capable of conveying identity and cultural meaning. It recommends further documentation of Arab printmaking practices and the integration of cultural identity concepts into art education. Ultimately, El Gebaly’s artistic experience serves as a valuable case for understanding how heritage and modernity can coexist in contemporary visual expression in the age of globalization.

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