Hassan Heshmat: Son of Egypt and Heir of the nahda

Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient and Der Divan - Das Arabische Kulturhaus in Berlin are pleased to present the work of the Egyptian artist Hassan Heshmat (1920-2006). The exhibition presents an extremely varied oeuvre, dispersed all over the world.

Heshmat is one of the most influential voices in modern Egyptian sculpture of the 20th century. His work combines influences from the pharaonic heritage and popular culture in a modern visual language. It is inspired by the timeless Egyptian everyday life, the dignity of ordinary people, Christianity as well as Islam. In Egypt, Heshmat is regarded as one of the most important sculptors of his time. Both his works in public spaces and his concept of art, producing ‘art for millions’, contributed to this. Outside his home country, the artist, who exhibited extensively in Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War, can be rediscovered.

Selected ceramic sculptures and wooden reliefs as well as photographic reproductions of his public works will be on display. Two lectures will present the artist in the context of modern Egyptian art of his time.

Vernissage: 4 July 2025. 6pm Egyptian Art in the 20th Century, opening lecture by Prof. Emad Abou-Ghazi, former Egyptian Minister of Culture and Professor of Medieval Arabic Manuscripts and Archives (Cairo University).

The exhibition runs until 1 August 2025.

Opening hours: Visits are possible daily between 10:00 and 15:00 - except Saturdays and Sundays. For a visit at the weekend, please register in advance by e-mail to: events(at)derdivan.org.

Location: Der Divan - Das Arabische Kulturhaus, Schützallee 27-29, 14169 Berlin

A cooperation between Der Divan. Das arabische Kulturhaus and ZMO.

Idea: Dr Sonja Hegasy

Curated by: Dr Sonja Hegasy and Katharina Maria Raab 

Project at ZMO: Hassan Heshmat – A Decolonial Artist, Then and Now
 

Accompanying Programme (tba)

Workshop for children (tba)

Free admission -  Get your tickets

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By registering, you agree to pictures and videos being taken during the event and consent to them being published for public relations purposes by the Divan - Das Arabische Kulturhaus.