El Marsam: Modern and Contemporary Art from Egypt

El Marsam: Modern and Contemporary Art from Egypt examines the origins and development of Egypt’s modern art movement and its continuing impact on contemporary artists in Egypt and throughout the Egyptian diaspora. Curated by Heba El Kayal, the exhibition takes its title from the Arabic word for “studio,” or “marsam,” a term that has increasingly replaced the French “atelier.” The change in language reflects the exhibition’s focus on the studio as a place where artists create, exchange ideas, and influence one another across generations.

The exhibition brings together 49 works, or more than 45 works, in painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and collage. Historically important artists are presented alongside established and emerging contemporary figures, highlighting the diversity, technical range, and evolving cultural perspectives of Egyptian artistic production. The exhibition is among the first in a U.S. public institution devoted exclusively to Egyptian modern and contemporary art and was assembled with support from Egyptian collectors, galleries, institutions, and donors.

When: September 18–December 11, 2026.

Venue: MEI Art Gallery at the Middle East Institute.

Curator: Heba El Kayal, a curator, writer, and researcher specializing in modern and contemporary art from the Middle East and Africa. She has worked in Dubai, Beirut, New York, and London and has advised auction houses and private collectors. Her research addresses artist-legacy preservation, collecting, cultural stewardship, and the relationship between private and institutional collections. She holds degrees from the American University in Cairo and Columbia University and is pursuing a PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Artists: Zeinab Abd El Hamid, Souad Abdelrasoul, Ibrahim Ahmed, Lara Baladi, Inji Efflatoun, Abdel Hadi El Gazzar, Nada Elkalaawy, Yasmine El Meleegy, Marianne Fahmy, Samir Fouad, Sherin Guirguis, Nermine Hammam, Huda Lutfi, Maha Maamoun, Mayo (Antoine Malliarakis), Ahmed Morsi, Mohamed Monaiseer, Youssef Nabil, Hamed Nada, Effat Naghi, Ahmed Maher Raef, Samir Rafi, Mahmoud Saïd, Marcel Salinas, Youssef Sida, Gazbia Sirry, Hassan Soliman, Van Leo, and Seif Wanly.

Works: The exhibition includes works by artists from multiple generations, including Hassan Soliman’s *The Musicians* and Samir Fouad’s *Three Brass Players*.

Program materials: The event page includes a guided tour of selected highlights led by Heba El Kayal, an exhibition catalog presentation, and a recording of the opening-night program. The recording features remarks by MEI President Amb. (ret.) Stuart Jones and Board of Governors Chair David Welch, followed by a discussion with Lyne Sneige, Heba El Kayal, and lead donor and lender Naguib Sawiris.

Tickets: Price not available.