Mervat El-Shazly

Mervat Shazly Helaly (b. 1969) is a leading Egyptian artist known for her vibrant, expressionistic portrayals of Southern Egypt and its people. Blending modern techniques with her Nubian heritage, her work reflects deep cultural narratives, often centering on women’s emotions and experiences.

With over three decades in the art scene, Shazly has exhibited widely in Egypt and internationally, with works in major collections like the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art. She holds a doctorate on Egyptian contemporary art and has received numerous accolades, including an award at the Sheikha Suad Al-Sabah Biennale (Kuwait, 2017).

Beyond her artistic practice, she has played a key role in Egypt’s cultural scene, leading programs at the Egyptian Opera House and managing the Waheed El-Din Selim Museum. Through her richly textured paintings, Shazly preserves and reimagines Egypt’s cultural identity.