Sara Tantawy represents Egypt at the Dakar Biennale

Sara Tantawy, a fine artist and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Digital Arts and Design at Egypt University of Informatics (EUI), represented Egypt at the Dakar Biennale for Contemporary Art. This prestigious African art event, now in its 15th edition, features over 200 artists from 45 countries, providing a platform to explore contemporary social and political issues.

The exhibition was inaugurated at Dakar’s Grand National Theatre in the presence of Senegalese President Macky Sall, First Lady Marieme Faye Sall, several ministers, ambassadors, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Senegal, Khaled Aref. The event, running until December 7, showcases various art forms, adding a formal tone to its significance.

Prof. Ashraf Zaki, Dean of the Faculty of Digital Arts and Design at EUI, emphasized the capability of Egyptian fine artists, including Sara Tantawy, to contribute to global art events with inspiring works that highlight Egypt’s rich artistic identity. He noted that Sara's artworks embody the essence of human creativity and innovation, particularly in addressing women's and social issues, making her an exemplary artist. He also commended the outstanding academic and artistic talents of EUI’s faculty members.

Sara's participation in this significant art event stems from her exceptional creativity, reflecting Egypt’s openness to cultural innovation across Africa and the Arab world. The Dakar Biennale, the oldest and most prestigious African art biennial, embraces emerging voices from the Arab world, aligning with its mission.

Expressing her excitement about participating in Africa’s largest and most historic contemporary art event, Sara shared, “As a young artist at the beginning of my career, I experience a sense of uncertainty about the future. Through my work, I aimed to capture the emotional turbulence of an entire generation uncertain about what lies ahead.”

Sara’s work focuses on women as central figures in her artistic narrative. Her featured piece, “The Survival”, representing Egypt at the Biennale, portrays a woman grappling with emotional duality amidst life’s struggles. One figure surrenders to divine intervention, gazing at the sky, while the other contemplates abandoning the lifeboat, symbolizing the complexities of resilience.