Through Her Eyes: Italian Craft Meets Egyptian Art in Villa Magenta

It’s not every day you get to witness a composed collision of art and design, but Villa Magenta’s latest exhibition in Heliopolis, ‘Through Her Eyes’, delivers exactly that. In collaboration with Gallotti & Radice, the iconic Italian furniture brand, and Le LAB, Egypt’s leading collectible design gallery, the exhibition redefines how we experience both furniture and art. 

Silvia Gallotti, CEO of Gallotti & Radice, teamed up with art curator Rasheed Kamel of Le LAB to create an extraordinary blend of Italian elegance and Egyptian creativity - a fusion that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. Gallotti’s sleek pieces - crafted with signature Italian precision-are paired with works by local and regional artists that evoke the richness of Middle Eastern culture. 

“When I first arrived, I brought pieces of my life that are familiar and comforting, yet as I settled into Cairo, I discovered parts of myself I never knew existed,” Gallotti tells #SceneHome. “Through the gentle guidance of Rasheed Kamel, I began to see the world, and myself, in a new light. His insights have enriched my vision, allowing me to embrace the unknown.” 

The exhibition features a curated selection of artworks from leading regional artists, including Khaled Hafez, Huda Lutfi, and Reem Osama, alongside standout furniture pieces from Gallotti & Radice’s collection being launched in Heliopolis. 

The century-old villa, lovingly revived by Ramy Effat, Founder of Blend Furniture, and renowned Egyptian designer Mohamed Fares, serves as a metaphor for the fusion happening within. The building itself feels like a time capsule, holding onto its rich heritage while embracing the future of design. It’s an ideal space for this dialogue between past and present, between Italy and Egypt, between art and function. 

Georges Mohasseb, for Le LAB, brings forth a collector’s edition of his ’I-Beam’ table, carved from Travertine marble, blending art and design in a way that feels both bold and timeless. Furthermore, installations range from architect and poet Nedal Badr’s ambitious take on Arabic calligraphy, intertwined in clay and glass, to reimagined carpets by Kahhal Looms - each weave telling its own narrative, steeped in history yet modernised for today’s audience. 

Each piece, from Karim El Hayawan’s photography to Khaled Zaki’s contemplative sculptures, challenges the viewer to see beyond the boundaries of their disciplines, creating a space where art and design are in constant conversation. Whether it’s the vibrant textiles of Aliaa El Gready or the architectural precision of Massimo Castagna’s designs, each piece contributes to a narrative that’s as rich and varied as the cultures that inspired it. 

“As a traveller, I have always been drawn to the beauty and diversity of the world, and Cairo has welcomed me with open arms,” Gallotti continues. “This exhibition reflects my journey. Each piece is a fragment of my soul. This foreign land has become a part of me, its culture and spirit woven into my life.” 

‘Through Her Eyes’ is running until 9 November, 2024, at Villa Magenta, Heliopolis. 

Photography Credit: SceneHome