Shewekar Unfolds the Infinite Layers of Her Latest Collection

Unfolding in Cairo’s culturally acclaimed Zamalek district, Shewekar’s latest exhibition, ‘Layers of Life’, is presented in collaboration with Ubuntu Art Gallery. Shewekar, the award-winning Egyptian interior design firm, curates an ethereal odyssey by blending Ubuntu Art Gallery’s paintings with her latest eclectic furniture collection. 

Upon reaching the door of the gallery on the street level, you’re first greeted by a life-size cow sculpture symbolising Egyptian rural villages. Once inside you drift into a different layer of life when you’re  introduced to Shewekar’s standout piece, the Intertwined Console. Subtle and elegant, this furniture highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of wood inlays, a skill that is a recurring theme throughout the collection. 

Down a narrow corridor on the right side of the room, with light blue walls that evoke a sense of intrigue, you'll be struck by Amina Salem’s two large vertical paintings. These impressive works, as tall as you, face the portal to the first exhibition hall, shifting the mood from curiosity to marvel. 

Draped with surreal art pieces on the walls, the room features the intricate Nile Blossom table. This handcrafted masterpiece uses custom-made acrylic, perfectly coloured to depict the Nile’s lotus flower, infusing the entire space with a vibrant sense of transformation. As you move through to the next halls, your journey unfolds through a series of artworks that narrate the eclectic richness of Egypt. Spanning a multitude of genres, each piece weaves a vibrant tapestry of stories that capture the diverse cultural heritage and artistic evolution of the region. 

Climbing the narrow stairs through the bright red door, you’ll encounter a second set of steps leading to the largest room of the exhibition. As you turn the corner, you’re immediately captivated by an eclectic collection of furniture and art, leaving you unsure where to look first. 

With a seating arrangement before you, a curated art collection gracing the wall to your left, and a Chinese cabinet nestled in the far right corner, your attention is irresistibly drawn to the striking Shewekar’s Divine Crimson and Lotus coffee tables adorning the opposing right wall. As you navigate through the space, you find yourself beneath Shewekar’s hanging tassels in the far left corner, only to discover a new set of circular stairs leading you back down, inviting further exploration. 

As you reach the bottom of the stairs, your attention is immediately drawn to the Sunset Dunes Dining Table. Though not painted, this art piece captures the scenic beauty of rolling dunes and a stunning sunset through its exquisite veneers and walnut wood inlays. As you progress through the final phase of the exhibition, you’ll discover two colourful side tables gracefully suspended by ropes in the right corner. Their vibrant hues and arrangement evoke the rhythmic elegance of a goblet drum. 

At the concluding end of the space, two abstract consoles stand prominently before you, those are Shewekar’s Archway paying homage to the legendary Hassan Fathy. Positioned alongside Alaa Abo El Hamd’s Ancient Egyptian figures, both works embody grace, strength, and resilience, creating a powerful visual tribute to timeless qualities. 

Photography Credit: Rana Gabr