Kahhal 1871 Unveils ‘153 Eternity’ at Cairo International Art District

In a rare fusion of contemporary artistry and traditional craftsmanship, Kahhal 1871 has teamed up with Art D’Egypte to unveil ‘153 to Eternity’, a limited-edition collection of handwoven rugs that’s a feast for the eyes and pay homage to Egypt’s long-standing heritage in textiles and the timelessness of artistic expression. 

As part of the fourth edition of Cairo International Art District, taking place in Downtown Cairo, ‘153 Eternity’ features a collaboration with world-renowned artists Pilar Zeta, eL Seed, Mohamed Banawy, and Aliaa El Gready. Each of these extraordinary talents brought their own flair to this bold new collection. 

Pilar Zeta, known for her surrealist approach and signature new-age aesthetic, transports us to another dimension with ‘Atar for Transformation’ and ‘Ra Rising’. Her pieces fuse colour, geometry, and symbology, creating a dreamscape where transformation feels tangible. The pieces created by Kahhal 1871 highlight how craft can be elevated into the realm of the ethereal, as the artisans meticulously hand-knot every line, every surreal twist of Zeta’s vision. 

eL Seed, the celebrated calligraffiti artist, brings his mastery of Arabic script to life in ‘A Temporary Stop’. The flowing letters, carefully entwined, reflect his philosophy of art as a bridge between cultures. A standout piece is ‘Jameel & Buthayna’, a live weaving installation performed on-site, referencing ancient Bedouin poetry. Watching it come to life on the opening night was nothing short of poetic itself, with Kahhal 1871’s skilled artisans hand-knotting the story of unrequited love, line by line. 

Mohamed Banawy, an Egyptian visual artist known for his tactile approach to materials, takes a more textured route. Referencing his previous work, ‘The Bearers of Civilisation’, Banawy’s pieces evoke the Nile’s traditional boats, using varying rug pile heights to create optical illusions. The interplay of light, shadow, and texture highlights the depth of Kahhal 1871’s artistry, bringing Banawy’s abstract visions to life with stunning clarity. 

Aliaa El Greedy, whose vibrant and energetic works have garnered international attention, turns heads with her dynamic untitled pieces. One of her rugs became the most photographed artwork of the exhibition, capturing audiences with its electric mix of colour and form. Whether it’s the bold, abstract strokes or the intricate detailing, El Gready’s work, combined with Kahhal 1871’s craftsmanship, proves that art can be both seen and felt. 

‘153 Eternity’ is on display at Cinema Radio, running until 30 October as part of CIAD.