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of art by this artist.
Gazbia Sirry Biography
Gazbia Sirry was an Egyptian painter whose life and work spanned nearly a century, reflecting the tumultuous and transformative periods of Egyptian history. Born on October 11, 1925, into an aristocratic Turkish family in Cairo, Sirry was raised in a predominantly female environment by her widowed mother and divorced grandmother after the death of her father, the architect Hassan Sirry Naamy, when she was just four years old. This early exposure to strong female figures would later influence her artistic focus on women and their societal roles.
Sirry's artistic journey began with her education at the Higher Institute of Art Education for Women Teachers in Cairo, where she graduated in 1948. Her dissertation traced Egypt's political history, a theme that would recur throughout her career. She continued her studies abroad, first in Paris under the tutelage of Marcel Gromaire in 1951, then at the Egyptian Academy in Rome in 1952, and finally at the Slade School of Fine Art in London in 1955. These experiences broadened her artistic horizons and introduced her to various artistic movements and techniques.
Upon returning to Egypt, Sirry joined the Modern Art Group, aligning herself with artists who sought to express a modern Egyptian identity through art. Her early works were characterized by strong, hieratic figures outlined in black, reminiscent of both pharaonic art and lithographic techniques. These figures often represented women and the working class, resonating with nationalist iconography and earning her recognition and support from the state, despite her complex relationship with the government, which had imprisoned her husband.
The 1960s marked a significant shift in Sirry's style, influenced by her residency in Los Angeles and the collective trauma of Egypt's defeat in the Six-Day War. Her work moved towards a more geometric and abstract form of figuration. This evolution reflected not only international artistic trends, such as abstract expressionism, but also the deep scars left on the Egyptian psyche by the war and the end of the Pan-Arab dream.
Throughout her career, Sirry's work was a response to the political, social, and artistic climates of her home country. She was a humanist painter, attempting to depict the human condition and denounce inequalities. Her dedication to the freedom of Arab women was unwavering, and her art was candid and receptive to international influences, making her a prominent figure in the Contemporary Art Group.
Sirry's international career included exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Biennale, and her work is held in numerous collections worldwide. Despite her international acclaim, she remained deeply connected to Egypt, regularly celebrated for her contributions to Egyptian and Arab pictorial modernity.
In her later years, Sirry continued to paint, exploring landscapes and street scenes in watercolors, a medium she consistently used. Even at the age of 85 during the 2011 revolution, she created a series of minimalist paintings, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to reacting to her country's history through her art.
Gazbia Sirry passed away on November 10, 2021, at the age of 96. Her legacy as a key figure in Egyptian modern art is secured by her extensive body of work, which spans over seven decades and includes more than 75 solo exhibitions. Her art, which captured the relationship between social reform, feminist consciousness, and advocacy for women, remains a testament to her role as a pioneer and a spokesperson for her nation. Sirry's work, characterized by its eclecticism and reflection of modern Egypt, continues to be celebrated for its powerful portrayal of women, its embodiment of national pride, and its insightful commentary on the human experience.
Gazbia Sirry Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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