Essam Alaa
Essam Alaa (b. 1994) is an Egyptian and francophone artist who lives and works in Cairo. He divides his time between Bulaq Dakror, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and Maadi, where he has painted for over eight years. His first solo exhibition in 2019 in Maadi was a success, followed by a second at the renowned Mashrabia Gallery in 2021.
His work reflects a dialogue between Egypt and France, inspired by Cairo, Alexandria, Siwa, the Cévennes, and the Mediterranean. In 2020, he founded an artistic enterprise to support young talents. In 2023, his show Comment je suis devenu fou, inspired by Khalil Gibran, was exhibited at Mashrabia Gallery to critical acclaim.