“O friends, no more of these sounds… Let us sing more cheerful songs…
more full of joy . Attired friend to the end …Even the worm can feel contentment… And cherub stands before god …Thankfully, like the heavenly bodies, this kiss is for all the world.
“Song of Joy” was introduced by Beethoven in his 9th Symphony in order to create a beautiful and poetic atmosphere at any time and place. Through the paintings, I wanted to express human feelings in different situations through an audiovisual show in a festive atmosphere that combines music, instruments, people, lovers, singers, musicians, and listeners. I have also merged them with facial expressions and all the feelings and contradictions they carry, so music appears to complement the mood of the heroes in each painting. In each painting, you can feel everything these faces want to say to you and everything they keep quiet about, but all faces are encircling joy and seeking to live in a wide, honest, and sincere world.
About the Artist
Mai Heshmat was born in 1979 and graduated in 2001 from the Faculty of Art Education. She attended the Academy of Art’s Department of Criticism. Her works have been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions both inside and outside of Egypt. Mai Heshmat represented Egypt in a number of foreign artistic workshops, including those in Albania, Turkey, and India. Her paintings depict ancient Egyptian and children’s faces in a contemporary style and technique that adds a sense of mystery to the colours and characters.
Her works are part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.
