Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Seif Wanly (31 March 1906 – 15 February 1979) was an Egyptian painter known for his colorful and vibrant depictions of Egyptian life and culture. He was one of the most prominent members of the Egyptian Modern Art movement, which sought to blend traditional Egyptian art with Western styles.
Life and Career
Wanly was born in Alexandria, Egypt on 31 March 1906. He began his artistic education at the School of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1926. He studied under some of the most prominent Egyptian artists of the time, including Mahmoud Mukhtar and Mohamed Nagi. Wanly was also influenced by European artists such as Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, whose work he saw during a trip to Paris in 1931.
Wanly’s early works were primarily portraits and landscapes, but he soon began to focus on capturing the daily life of Egyptians, including street scenes, markets, and festivals. He was particularly interested in the traditions and customs of rural Egypt, which he depicted in a colorful and lively style.
In 1942, Wanly co-founded the Egyptian Surrealist Art Group with several other artists, which was one of the first movements of its kind in the Arab world. The group sought to blend European Surrealism with Egyptian culture and traditions.
Throughout his career, Wanly was recognized for his contributions to Egyptian art. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government in 1972. Today, his works can be found in many museums and collections around the world, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the British Museum in London, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Seif Wanly died on 15 February 1979, in Stockholm at age of 72. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists in Egypt and beyond.
Award and Legacy
Seif Wanly was widely recognized for his contributions to Egyptian art and received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government, he was also awarded the State Merit Award by the Egyptian government in 1955 and the State Award of Excellence in the Arts in 1972.
Wanly’s legacy as an artist is characterized by his use of vibrant colors, bold lines, and a deep appreciation for Egyptian culture and traditions. He was a key figure in the Egyptian Modern Art movement, which sought to combine traditional Egyptian art with Western styles.
Wanly’s influence on Egyptian art can still be felt today, with many contemporary artists continuing to draw inspiration from his work. His paintings are highly sought after by collectors, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through exhibitions and retrospectives.
Overall, Seif Wanly is regarded as one of the most important Egyptian artists of the 20th century, and his work has played a significant role in shaping the country’s artistic landscape.
On 31 March 2015, Google celebrated Seif Wanly’s 109th Birthday with a doodle.