In this new work, Hathor is Osama’s inspiration. But, instead of a mythological ancient Egyptian goddess, this Hathor is the “Lady of Cairo.” Sometimes she appears godlike with cow horns and sun disk, but other times she is a 21st century woman with a cell phone and a face mask. As she has done before, Osama employs a feminist approach, centering femininity, womanhood, and motherhood in the paintings. Echoing both Fayum portraits and the work of modern Egyptian women painters like Gazbia Sirry, the women have enlarged and stylized eyes. Instead of simply being looked upon, the oversized eyes powerfully return the viewer’s gaze. Like the Eye of Horus and the Hand of Fatima, the eyes represent the women’s status as protectors of the city and her inhabitants. In the legacy of Surrealism, which had a heyday in Cairo in the late 1930s, Osama’s paintings search for truth through beautiful irrationality. The viewer does not look into a window upon another world. Rather, the imagery swirls like a dream. Scattered about the canvases are symbolic images, like the Maspero building, floral clippings, modern coins, and prints made with household lace. As such, while they evoke a feeling and a place, they are open to individual interpretation and contemplation
About the Artist
Lina Osama, a renowned artist and alumna of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Zamalek, brings a unique blend of artistic mastery and cultural exploration to her captivating works. With an extensive background that includes studying at the prestigious Salzburg Academy of Fine Arts in Austria from 2006 to 2009, Lina has honed her skills and developed a distinctive style that sets her apart.
Lina Osama has showcased her exceptional talent through numerous solo exhibitions in Cairo, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking creations. Additionally, she has actively participated in various international group shows, leaving her artistic mark in prominent cities such as Paris, Venezuela, and Taiwan.
