Ayman Abou Khozayem … Sculptures from Imagination at Gallery Misr
Gallery Misr opens its new artistic season with the exhibition “Pareidolia” by artist Ayman Abou Khozayem, launching on Sunday, September 14 at 7:00 PM, in the presence of a distinguished gathering of artists.
In this exhibition, Abou Khozayem does not present sculptures in the traditional sense. He is not concerned with complete human features or familiar forms; rather, he sculpts intelligently at the edge of perception — at that point where it is no longer clear whether the eye truly sees something real or only imagines its presence. Here, wood is not merely a material, but a living entity, where images spontaneously emerge. Over time, it transforms into a surface that invites participation — from the viewer, their imagination, and the depths of their memory.
Speaking about his practice, Abou Khozayem notes:
“It expresses the harmonious unity between nature, humanity, and mythology. These sculptures offer a unique perspective on aesthetic integration and the fusion of life forms, portraying elements of vegetables or fruits as dynamic beings — complete with four legs, eyes, and a mouth; sometimes a human face with limbs and the head of a hoopoe bird. At times, the sculptures reflect this unique dialogue between natural and spiritual components. My work represents a contemporary narrative of the beautiful interaction between worlds, where plants merge with aspects of humanity and myth to tell a story of life’s integration. It expresses the power of art to reshape our daily reality and deepen our understanding of the infinite connection between humans and nature, evoking the philosophy of birds and animals in ancient Egyptian culture in a way that continues to narrate harmony and beauty.”
Biography
Ayman Abou Khozayem was born in Cairo in 1984. He is a lecturer in the Department of Art Education at the Faculty of Specific Education, Cairo University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the same faculty in 2005 with highest honors, followed by a Master’s degree in Art Education in 2013. In 2019, he earned his PhD in the Philosophy of Art Education from Cairo University.