Five Women Artists Take Centre Stage at Egypt’s Pyramids Exhibition

The sixth edition of Forever Is Now, Egypt’s contemporary art exhibition held at the Giza Pyramids, will feature a predominantly female line-up for the first time in its history.

Organised by Art D’Égypte and scheduled to run from 4 to 28 November 2026, the exhibition will bring contemporary installations and artistic commissions to one of the world’s most recognisable archaeological sites.

Five women artists have been announced: Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er, Egyptian painter and sculptor Reham Abo Elazm, British-Jamaican artist Rochelle-Webster Nembhard, British-French filmmaker Charlotte Colbert and French-American artist Raphaële Shirley. French artist Geoffroy Pithon and Turkish sculptor Seçkin Pirim were also named among the participants.

Founded by Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Art D’Égypte has developed Forever Is Now as a platform connecting contemporary artistic practice with Egypt’s ancient heritage. The 2026 edition will explore themes including geometry, cosmology, cultural memory and traditional craftsmanship.

The forthcoming exhibition has also attracted controversy. On 9 October, Ahram Online reported that organisers had withdrawn an invitation to French sculptor Bernar Venet following objections from Egyptian artists and cultural figures over his connections with Israeli art institutions. The report cited a statement issued by Art D’Égypte. A revised final list of participating artists has not yet been confirmed.

Unlike a conventional gallery exhibition, Forever Is Now places contemporary artworks within an archaeological landscape whose history and symbolism become part of the viewing experience.

This year’s predominantly female participation introduces a notable shift in the exhibition’s artistic representation, while the reported withdrawal highlights the wider cultural and political considerations surrounding international art events in the region.

Source: Art D’Égypte