Making already his Dubai debut at artsawa, Askalany will be exhibiting his latest collection of emotive sculptures entitled “Self Stories: Birds & I.”

Askalany’s subjects are simple human figures and animals inspired by and representative of his native town, Nag Hammadi, in Upper Egypt.

His work mostly retained an explicit connection with traditional materials and craft methods associated with the ancient cultures of Egypt. Traditional aesthetic forms that place an emphasis on both structure and volume characterize Askalany’s works, but the volumes are distorted with a minimal head on a giant body. Askalany’s works possess a sense of innocence alongside a state of isolation reflecting both frankness and candor. Nonetheless, the works retain a profound nature and sense of innocence. There is no specific formula that Askalany uses when creating his works of art, the final work often represents this by becoming humorous or naïve but always with a poetic sensitivity. This connection allows his work to become unique and unmistakable, yet at the same time does not stop him being thoroughly up to date.

 

Speaking about his next exhibition, Askalany commented, “My philosophy is simplicity, to convey the idea directly to the viewer without overcomplicating the message with too much detail… I’m extremely excited to be able to show again my latest works to the UAE.”

Askalany’s short career has thus far been blessed with success and his latest body of work is sure to be a favorite amongst the region’s art enthusiasts.