Paintings on display in Beijing draw on Egyptian culture

Egypt's ambassador to China, Magdy M. Helmy Amer, (left, behind) and Zhao Jiaqi (middle, behind), head of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, unveils an art exhibition showcasing the work of modern Egyptian painter A. Moawad in Beijing on Monday afternoon, March 17, 2014. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

Egyptian modern artist A. Moawad's oil paintings demonstrate his obsession with the country's traditional culture. His brushwork taps the mystery of color and space, evoking people's thoughts and emotions while they look at his works.

The embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Beijing has brought Moawad's 40 paintings to China as a celebration of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Egyptian diplomatic relations.

The exhibition, at the hall of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries on Nanheyan Street, runs until March 22.

Moawad drew much inspiration from folk customs, sea views, Pharaoh-era decorations and Islamic elements, as seen in the works on display in Beijing.

He has expanded on the connotations of colors. The black used in his paintings, for example, embodies optimism rather than the usual meaning of sadness.

Moawad, who was born in Cairo in 1947, teaches at Aswan University in Egypt. He has been committed to interior design, fresco and glass painting for decades.