In a captivating exhibition at the Art Corner gallery in Zamalek, artist and diplomat Yousri Al-Qawidy unveiled his latest collection, "A Call for Optimism," showcasing his unique creative vision through a series of 31 white origami artworks. The event, inaugurated by renowned artist Mohamed Abla, drew a large audience of art enthusiasts and fellow artists, eager to witness the intersection of Al-Qawidy's lifelong passions for art and diplomacy.

Unlocking the Artistic Potential within a Diplomatic Career

Discovering the Power of Visual Expression

Yousri Al-Qawidy's artistic journey began in his childhood during the 1940s, when he discovered that his visual memory surpassed his auditory memory. This realization sparked a lifelong passion for expressing himself through drawing, which became an integral part of his being. Initially aspiring to study architecture, Al-Qawidy recognized the close connection between his love for drawing and painting and the profession. However, fate had other plans, leading him to pursue economic and commercial studies at the university level.

Balancing Art and Diplomacy

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Al-Qawidy remained committed to his artistic pursuits. During the 1960s, he balanced a job at the Ministry of Economy during the day with his studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in the evening, a period he described as immensely fulfilling. Yet, once again, destiny intervened when his mother urged him to take the Foreign Ministry exam to join the diplomatic service. Reluctantly, he complied, eventually joining the diplomatic corps in 1962 and rising through the ranks to become an ambassador and assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs before retiring in 2000.

Embracing the Artistic Identity

Al-Qawidy's diplomatic career provided him with opportunities to travel and live abroad, exposing him to diverse cultures and artistic movements. He found himself captivated by two passions: art and diplomacy. After retiring from government service, he embraced his artistic identity, allowing the artist within to flourish after years of being confined by formal duties.

Witnessing the Evolution of Visual Arts

During his time abroad, Al-Qawidy observed the evolution of visual arts, noting a shift from realism towards abstraction and conceptual art. He witnessed how artists began to analyze and deconstruct their subjects, leading to new forms of expression, such as abstract expressionism and geometric abstraction. Al-Qawidy highlighted a transformative moment in the art world when artworks began to move beyond gallery walls, expressing ideas and concepts more freely. Conceptual art gained prominence, bolstered by digital and electronic innovations, leading to a broadening of visual artistic expressions.

Redefining the Role of the Contemporary Artist

As he reflects on his artistic journey, Al-Qawidy asserts that the contemporary artist has become akin to a writer or philosopher, expressing profound thoughts and feelings through visual mediums, whether traditional or unconventional. "The role of the contemporary artist has evolved beyond mere inheritance of styles and ideas; they are now thinkers, addressing not only subjects and issues but also proposing ways to navigate or overcome them," he concluded.