Egyptian artist Hany Rashed exhibits in Doha

In his latest solo exhibition, which opened earlier this month at Al Markhiya Gallery in Doha, prominent contemporary artist Hany Rashed exhibits two sets of paintings revolving around Egypt's 25 January Revolution. The first is a series influenced by the downtown Cairo clashes which continued to plague the months following the revolution that toppled former autocrat Hosni Mubarak. In these paintings, Rashed adds a layer of smoke-like white paint over street signs and monuments depicting the downtown landscape in which most of the clashes between protesters and security forces took place, recreating the state of disarray that haunted Egypt at the time. These works are juxtaposed with paintings created during the initial 18 days of the revolution, some of which illustrate protesters in Tahrir Square. Like many other contemporary Egyptian artists, Rashed's work has mirrored his reactions to the unfolding socio-political events and changes in the country. Mentored by prominent painter Mohamed Abla, Rashed's artwork mostly tackles pop culture and is often tinted with a sense of humour. Versatile artist Hany Rashed has painted Egyptians and Europeans, models and policemen; his artwork continues to break barriers between these different worlds. From abstract art to monoprints, Rashed's work is bold and experimental, making him one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. He has exhibited his work in major cities across the globe, including Dubai, London and Berlin. The exhibition runs until 26 October Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar Source: Ahram online