In a unique initiative aimed at reviving Pharaonic heritage and teaching new generations the ancient art of sculpture, artists Barakat Hamza and Mahmoud Yassin, both from western Luxor, have launched the first school and exhibition dedicated to teaching the art of Pharaonic sculpture in the historic village of Hassan Fathy in the Qurna district. The village is an ideal location for this project, as it is famous for its distinctive mud houses designed by the great architect Hassan Fathy to be a model of authentic architecture, giving the school a heritage dimension and a visual presence in harmony with the spirit of Pharaonic sculpture.
The birth of the project
Barakat Hamza, founder of the school, says that the idea came as a result of a long passion for sculpture and a deep sense of responsibility towards this ancient art, which for many years remained the preserve of traditional craftsmen or workers in alabaster factories, without any real scientific curriculum for teaching it.
He added: “We decided to offer sculpture classes for free for a limited time to give everyone who wants to learn a chance, whether they’re locals or foreigners interested in Egyptian culture. After that, we’ll start offering classes for a small fee.”
He explained that the school teaches Pharaonic sculpture. along with Islamic and architectural sculpture, with a focus on building a scientific and practical foundation for trainees. This includes explaining the principles of proportion and anatomy, understanding hieroglyphics, and working with different types of stone. He noted that the length of the course varies depending on the abilities of the trainee, but it usually ranges from two weeks to a month.
Permanent exhibition and revival of tourism
Barakat adds: “The project also includes a permanent exhibition of works produced within the school, both by the founders and trainees. These works are available to the public and tourists at affordable prices, ensuring additional income for trainees and motivating them to continue.”
He believes that having a live exhibition within the village contributes to promoting tourism, as tourists can enjoy a live experience of learning how the sculptures are made, rather than just viewing them in temples and museums.
Filling an artistic and educational gap
For his part, artist Mahmoud Yassin, Barakat’s partner in founding the school and exhibition, says that the ultimate goal of the project is to bridge the gap between the great desire among young people to learn sculpture and the absence of institutions that offer it in a structured way in a city rich in Pharaonic sculptural treasures such as Luxor.
He added: “Many of those who work in sculpture are content to imitate without real understanding. They don’t know why these statues were carved in this form or what the symbols engraved on them mean. We are trying to restore the true spirit of this art and build a new generation of conscious sculptors.”
He continues: “Sculpture schools in Egypt are almost non-existent, and there is not a single institution that teaches Pharaonic sculpture in a scientific manner in Luxor, even though it is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of Pharaonic sculptures and statues. That is why we decided to start here.”
Trainees’ views
Ahmed Arafa, one of the trainees, says: “I have always loved ancient statues and sculptures, and I wanted to learn how to sculpt them, but I didn’t know where to start. When I heard about the school, I enrolled immediately, and now I have works on display in the trainees’ corner. The experience has changed my view of art and made me aspire to become a professional.”
One of the girls from Qurna recounts her experience: “Sculpture was not just a skill for me, but a means of self-expression. I found a rare opportunity at the school, especially since we girls don’t often find people who encourage us to enter fields like this.”
Economic and cultural importance
Mahmoud Yassin points out that the initiative is not limited to the artistic aspect, but also has an economic dimension, as trainees can sell their work to visitors, opening up a new source of income. The presence of live workshops can also be a strong attraction for educational and artistic tourism, which are new forms of tourism that Luxor needs alongside traditional archaeological tourism.
Educational and craft tourism
On the other hand, Mohamed Othman, a tourism expert and head of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Luxor, says: “Such projects give a strong boost to the city’s image globally. They offer tourists a different experience that goes beyond traditional tours of temples and museums. Today’s tourists are looking for an interactive experience that allows them to live the spirit of the place and touch with their own hands what they see on the walls or statues.”
He added: “When tourists participate in a sculpture workshop or watch how statues are made in a style similar to that of the pharaohs thousands of years ago, it leaves a lasting impression on them and makes them want to share their experience with others. This reinforces Luxor’s image as a revitalized cultural destination.”
He pointed out that these initiatives could open the door to educational and craft tourism, with visitors coming specifically to learn the arts of ancient Egypt. This increases the value of cultural tourism and adds diversity to traditional tourist activities. Projects based on living heritage also reflect a positive image of the local community and give artisans the opportunity to interact directly with tourists, which boosts economic returns.
Future plans
Barakat Hamza reveals future plans for the project, which include organizing advanced courses in collaboration with fine arts colleges. He also plans to send sculptures signed by the trainees to participate in international exhibitions. “We dream of making a name for modern Egyptian sculpture inspired by the spirit of the pharaohs,” he says.
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