تعريف الفن

Defining Art

• Art, linguistically, is a term found in many lexicons. Al-Sahah's dictionary defines art as one of the arts.
• The term "art" in Arabic dictionaries has many meanings, often relating to embellishment or beauty.
• Modern dictionaries define art as a specific type or category of things, or an embellishment. "Tafannun" in Arabic means diversification of art, or the increasing variety.
• English dictionaries (such as Oxford) define art as creative skill, primarily in visual forms like sculpture and painting, and as an expression of creative activity in various forms like music, poetry and dance.

Art in Modern Terminology

• Technical definitions differ from the linguistic ones, with several perspectives presented:
  • A broad definition considers art as practical application and falls under applied sciences.
  • A specific definition regards art as a skill possessed by a professional, often relating to applied arts or handicrafts.
  • A further-specific definition describes art as a collective effort causing joy and happiness (fine arts), aiming for aesthetic beauty without material gain.

Modern Egyptian Art

• Humans have used art for millennia to express internal feelings. Ancient wall carvings and cave paintings are examples.
• Art constantly evolves.
• Types of art include:
  • Architecture: Designing buildings and environments. Developed from cave drawings into diverse designs. Examples include Ancient, Islamic, Asian, Modern, Pre-Modern and Contemporary architecture.
  • Music: Using musical instruments to express emotions and ideas. Includes classical, pop, jazz, and various instruments like stringed, percussion and wind.
  • Painting: Using lines and colours to express thoughts and feelings. Examples include representational, abstract, and others like schematic, decorative, pointillist and descriptive art. Employing various mediums including watercolours, oils, pencils or charcoal.
  • Sculpture: Creating three-dimensional figures (human, animal, or abstract). Found in various civilizations, including ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek, serving historical, religious or memorial purposes.
  • Poetry: A literary art form using suitable words with rhyme to express thoughts. Includes types like praise, satires, elegies, and love poems.
  • Dance: Using body movements to express various emotions with music. Includes various forms like tango, Latin, ballet, oriental, and expressive dance.

Importance of Art in Modern Time

• Modern art plays a vital role in creating a more advanced society.
• Art acts as a universal form of communication transcending language barriers.
• Art strikes a balance between internal and external realities, bridging personal feelings to material life.
• Art fosters creativity, critical thinking and imagination while conveying information in a clear way.
• Art promotes teamwork and competition and also contributes to economic development by generating job opportunities and increasing national output.
• Art alleviates stress, improves mental wellbeing, and increases confidence.

Characteristics of Modern Egyptian Art

• Expression of Egyptian Identity: Modern Egyptian art often uses traditional and historical symbols to express national identity and unity, particularly amidst political upheaval.
• Reflection of Social Realities: Many contemporary artists use their work to illustrate the socio-cultural realities of Egypt.
• Expression of Struggle and Resistance: Some works highlight resistance to political oppression and injustice.
• Individual and Social Freedom: Art may express the desire for freedom and social rights during times of unrest.
• Diversity and Variety: Modern Egyptian art encompasses various artistic styles and techniques mirroring the diverse cultural experience in Egypt.
• National Unity: Art may express the need for national unity during crises.
• Assertion of Human Rights: Art can express important human rights issues and the struggle for individual liberties.
• Reflection of Social Shifts: Art reflects societal changes in habits, customs and values.
• Folkloric Influences: Art drawing inspiration from local traditions and environments often resonates deeply with the community and is sustainable in its form.
• Global Influence: Modern Egyptian art draws from global movements, merging traditional styles with international influences.
• Inspirational Heritage: Inspiration from ancient Egyptian, Coptic and Islamic heritages are apparent, and some works directly draw concepts from these eras combining them with modern European aesthetics.
• Realism: A tendency towards realistic portrayals without exaggeration or humour, recording the mundane and struggles of ordinary people.

Factors Influencing Modern Egyptian Art

• Historical and Cultural Context: Egypt's rich history and culture deeply influence modern Egyptian art.
• Politics and Society: Political and social events significantly impact artists' creativity.
• Technology and Media: Technological advancements reshape artistic mediums and expand artistic horizons.
• Cultural Exchange: Interaction with international art influences contemporary Egyptian artistic styles and techniques.
• Art Education and Research: Efforts in art education and research play a significant role in modern Egyptian art development.
• Political Oppression: Restrictions on artistic freedom can negatively impact expression and create challenging conditions for the creative process.

Art in the Ottoman Period

• The Ottoman Empire ruled Egypt from 1517 to 1914, influencing Egyptian art.
• Ottoman Elements: Architectural designs and patterns were evident.
• Cultural Diversity: Intermingling of local and Ottoman influences.
• Religious Architecture: Significant development of religious buildings (mosques, schools) reflecting Ottoman Islamic architectural styles.
• Intricate Islamic Decorations: Ornamentation and design often featured intricate Islamic patterns.
• Art and Crafts: Artistic and handicraft traditions evolved and diversified.
• Music and Song: Music and vocal performance styles were influenced by Ottoman patterns.
• Architecture: Ottoman-style buildings emerged in Egypt and exhibited characteristic features.

Factors Affecting Artistic Development During Ottoman Rule

• Political and Economic Instability
• Emphasis on Religious Architecture
• Limited Financial Resources
• Societal and Cultural Constraints
• Religious and Cultural Shifts
• Economic Pressures

Art and the French Campaign in Egypt

• The French Campaign (1798-1801) significantly impacted Egyptian art.
• Introduction of Western Theatre: The French established the first modern theatre in Egypt.
• European Influences: French art and techniques introduced to Egyptian artists.
• French Artists: Artists documenting the campaign, including portraits of prominent figures.
• Purpose and Functionality: Art became a device for documentation, promotion and political messaging.
• Impact of Art on Society: Artwork impacted public perception of the French campaign.

Factors Affecting the Establishment of Theatre in Egypt During the French Campaign

• Cultural and Educational Aims of the French
• Political Motivations of the French
• Entertainment and Diversion for Soldiers
• Artistic Expression and Cultural Exchange

Art Under Muhammad Ali (1805-1848)

• Muhammad Ali, a pivotal figure in modern Egyptian history, initiated significant modernisation.
• Western Influences: Increased interaction with the West fostered western aesthetics in art.
• Modern Techniques: Adoption of advanced artistic and architectural techniques.
• New Artistic Subjects: Emergence of new subjects reflecting societal and cultural changes.
• Modern Architecture: Significant architectural developments in the style of newly introduced western architecture.
• Intricate Detailing: A focus on detailed design motifs in artistic expression.
• Cultural Diversity: Artistic forms demonstrated cultural mixing and innovation.
• Photography's Introduction: Muhammad Ali played a critical role in pioneering the emergence of photography in Egypt.