Fathi Hassan

Fathi Hassan's life and work are deeply intertwined with the complex history of his Nubian heritage, and his art serves as a powerful reflection on the impact of colonialism on languages and oral traditions. 

Biography of Fathi Hassan

Born in Cairo in 1957 to Nubian and Egyptian parents, Hassan and his family experienced displacement when the Aswan High Dam was constructed in 1952, leading to the flooding of their homeland in Nubia.

Hassan's geographical journey is reflected in his artistic trajectory. After studying at Naples Art School and residing in Italy for many years, he later split his time between Italy and Great Britain before settling in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2018.

Throughout his career, Hassan has exhibited internationally at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. His collaborations with curators like Rose Issa have resulted in impactful solo and group exhibitions, emphasizing themes related to his heritage and the impact of colonialism.

Fathi Hassan's Art Style

Fathi Hassan's artistic journey encompasses various mediums, including photography, paintings, installations, drawings, and works directly on walls. His deliberately illegible texts symbolize the struggle and loss of languages and oral history due to colonial domination.

In his artwork, Hassan engages in experimentation with both the written and spoken word, delving into the theme of ancient languages erased by colonialism. Through the use of invented Kufic-inspired scripts, he manipulates the symbols, textures, and calligraphy associated with his Nubian heritage. This exploration navigates the intersection between graphic symbolism and literal meaning, employing vibrant colors and collage techniques.

Frequently, forms are imparted to these texts, becoming as significant as the text itself. These forms often echo the organic shapes found in the natural world, such as human faces, leaves, plants, flowers, animals, and celestial bodies. Over many years, Hassan has also dedicated his artistic exploration to the vase form, particularly evident in his esteemed series of Containers.