Moataz nasr biography

A versatile artist, Nasr deploys a variety of media, including painting, drawing, prints, sculpture, textiles, and video installation.
The self-taught renowned artist, Moataz Nasr took the decision to follow his passion and abandon his initial career path in Economics.
Moataz Nasr is an Egyptian painter, sculptor, multimedia artist and cultural activist.

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The self-taught renowned artist, Moataz Nasr took the decision to follow his passion and abandon his initial career path in Economics. It started with a studio in Old Cairo after moving from his hometown, Alexandria. Nasr gained local recognition marked by many awards before breaking into the International art scene in 2001, notably winning the Grand Prix at the 8th International Cairo Biennial. Since then, he has participated in large international exhibitions like the Venice, Seoul, Sao Paulo, and Bogota Biennials. Today he is considered one of the greatest representatives of pan-Arab contemporary art.Showing complex cultural processes currently underway in the Islamic world, his work surpasses idiosyncrasies and geographical limits and voices the worries and torments of the African continent. The feeling of belonging to a specific geopolitical and cultural context and the need to maintain a link with his homeland are key elements of the artist's life and work. Moataz Nasr believes that art and life are inseparable. Moataz Nasr is considered one of the most important represent

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BOTTLE NECK exhibition view Galleria Continua, Dubai, 2024. Photo: Musthafa Aboobaker

Retour d'Égypte exhibition view, 2023, GALLERIA CONTINUA, Paris. Photo: Allison Borgo

Beetle 2023, wood and matches, Plexiglas, 150 x 150 cm. Photo: Allison Borgo

Tectonic Shift 2022, wood, 90 x 90 cm. Photo: Ela Bialkowska

Come to Light, 2019, crystal, 45 x 30 x 30 cm. Photo: Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio

Come to Light

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Moataz Nasr was born in 1961 in Alexandria (Egypt). He lives and works in Cairo. After studying economics, he decided to change direction and take a studio in Old Cairo. This self-taught artist gained local recognition marked by many prizes before breaking into the international art scene in 2001, notably winning the Grand Prix at the 8th International Cairo Biennial. Since, he has participated in large international gatherings like the Venice, Seoul, Sao Paulo, Bogotà biennials and exhibited in prestigious contemporary art venues. Today he is considered one of the greatest representatives of pan-Arab contemporary art.

Showing complex cultural processes currently underway in the Islamic world, his work surpasses idiosyncrasies and geographical limits and voices the worries and torments of the African continent. The feeling of belonging to a specific geopolitical and cultural context and the need to maintain a link with his homeland are key elements of the artist’s life and work. Art and life are inseparable for him. His childhood memories, frustrations and