Egyptian Art Research Paper

Throughout the entirety of human history, art has had a mutual relationship with the societies that create it: drawing influence from society and in turn influences change and ideas within those same societies. From ancient religious depictions and rituals to modern nationalism and pride, Egyptian art is no exception to this idea.

Egypt is one of the earliest and longest lasting civilizations in history. For nearly three thousand years Egypt remained the height of civilization in the Mediterranean world until the Roman occupation of Alexander the Great ended the Egyptian way of life in 332 BC. (Tyldesley) During this time period, Egyptian art was a central part of everyday life. It could be found in the mud shack of peasant farmers, in the

The art is generally rigid and symmetrical, which is consistent with the importance of balance in the work and within society. The proportions for every figure are the same whether the work was a tiny wooden figurine or large-scale mural, even though the sizes of the figures within the work may have been different. This accredited to the use gridlines, an established measurement system that allowed artists to achieve uniformity among themselves and each other. This uniformity creates art that is orderly and uninformed which upheld the concepts the artists were concerned with.

Modern Egyptian art is very different from their ancient counterparts. In ancient Egypt, artists valued conformity. All artists created their art, usually in teams, to follow the strict set of rules established for art. This styling was held sacred and the idea of change and individualism was unpopular. Today, however, these traditional strict standards are all but forgotten or dismissed as archaic. With freedom from foreign oppression and a newfound sense of nationalism, there has been a move for artistic individuality. (Peter F.

The first artist to be produced by this new sense of national pride would later help to shape the new characteristics of modern Egyptian society. During this time Egypt began to establish itself as a productive academic center accelerated by the need for independence and new revolutionary artistic movements. It called for a uniquely Egyptian contemporary art that would draw on local influences while maintaining its freedom to explore international styles. (Mikdadi)

Over the next few decades, Egyptian artists enjoyed a freedom to explore many different art styles of the times. They were motivated to set new trends and fostered advances in style and technique all over the world. The artists incorporated modern artistic styles and techniques without disconnecting themselves from their overwhelming cultural past. Until the 1960s the government largely supported Egyptian artist. However, the controversy over using Western art styles, the government's desire for more control, and social and global unrest in the region slowed the progress of Egyptian artists. (Mikdadi,