Draft:Naguib Moein

= Naguib Moein =

"The Works of Naguib Moein: An Optical Interplay Between Two Civilizations."
Undoubtedly, several factors govern the direction of any creative individual and determine their choices, contributing to the formation of their artistic experience. These factors range from personal traits and beliefs to the understanding of artistic practice, as well as the type of education and places of upbringing or other locations where they have lived and played a role. Fate and personal decisions also play a part in shaping the identity and path of an artistic journey. The essence of artistic practice and its content may be shaped and defined through various influences.

Mohammed Naguib Moein's artistic experience is, at times, a fusion of various elements. His journey since joining the College of Fine Arts led him to adopt specific beliefs and guided his path towards studying sculpture and shaping his distinct features, starting from the choice of materials he works with to his study abroad in Italy to pursue higher education. However, one cannot overlook the personal aspect of the artist, which is reflected in his impulses, tastes, and most importantly, his ability to make independent choices and not conform to prevailing norms.

Naguib Moein graduated from the Department of Field Sculpture at the College of Fine Arts, Alexandria University, in 2003, and quickly advanced in the academic field. He worked as an assistant teacher at the same college and later obtained a master's degree in 2009. The pivotal step in his academic career was when he traveled to Italy to study sculpture at the Carrara Academy of Fine Arts, where he earned a sculpture diploma, which is academically equivalent to a Ph.D. in Egypt. His journey to Italy and enrollment at the Carrara Academy provided him with a real opportunity to refine and develop his talent through exposure to a highly esteemed art institution and the chance to interact with artists from around the world.

Studying and working in such a professional and academic environment were instrumental in shaping Naguib Moein's artistic identity and reaffirming his artistic vision. Although surrounded by dozens of artists and academics who predominantly worked with stone, Najib decided not to abandon his previous experience in wood sculpture. His decision was not rebellious or contrary to the norm; rather, it was in line with his nature and beliefs, and it seamlessly and coherently aligned with his inclinations. He intuitively chose to work with wood, a material that had captivated him since his days at the College of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills and familiarized himself with its properties. Najib masterfully combined the two materials in his sculptures, recalling the remnants left behind during his work with wood.

Naguib Moein's artistic approach demonstrates a genuine interplay between the influences of the East and the West, as he beautifully amalgamates two civilizations in his work. His artistic journey stands as a testament to the power of personal choices and the significance of staying true to one's artistic roots, even when exposed to new and diverse influences."



On the ground, above the white marble powder, Naguib Moein stood, facing an intriguing and visually captivating scene: the fusion and meeting of two different materials. The visual embrace between wood and stone, pulsating with their distinct colors and natures, created a mesmerizing interplay. It was as if a hidden light illuminated a side that he needed to explore, igniting a desire and contemplation to combine these two materials. His first experiment in combining wood and stone was somewhat spontaneous and experimental, but it was rooted in visual and intellectual stimuli, as well as a compatible cultural background that welcomed such blending.

Naguib Moein did not stop at his initial experiment in merging wood and stone. He continued with further trials and attempts until he settled on this distinctive combination that characterizes his sculptural experience. It felt like a discovery or finally finding what he had been looking for. He continued to explore and delve into this experiment. This artistic journey tells us something about the artist's inclination and adherence to tradition, as he could have easily succumbed to the artistic atmosphere surrounding him, especially given the opportunity to learn and practice stone sculpture at one of the world's renowned academies. However, Mu'in benefitted from the intensive study and work environment, engaging in discussions about the nature of art and artistic practices. Moreover, being in Italy allowed him to get acquainted with a different culture with a rich artistic history.

Indeed, Naguib Moein's visual approach in essence is linked to ancient Egyptian art, although it might appear structurally saturated with other influences. The visual treatments he presents, his careful craftsmanship in shaping the masses, forming the details, and employing decorative elements, all remain connected to his visual and cultural heritage. When you look at Naguib Moein's works, you can't help but recall the form of ancient Egyptian mummies and stone coffins or the famous statue of the ancient Egyptian priest "Ka-Aper" from the Fourth Dynasty, made of acacia wood, with its eyes adorned with rock crystal and copper. It is difficult to interpret his interplay between the head and body without recalling the appearance of the ancient Egyptian statues with wigs, as well as the combination of different materials such as gold, copper, stones, and wood, not to mention the use of decorations and engravings—all features that have a clear and evident presence in his works.

Without a doubt, Naguib Moein benefited from his time in Italy and his intensive exposure to Italian and Roman art, but his artistic vision and concepts differ significantly. It provided him with additional insight and inspiration, and he acquired knowledge and techniques, but his profound essence remained tied to his Egyptian genes. The roots of mass in ancient Egyptian sculptures and the emphasis on maintaining unity in form might have influenced his work to some extent, but his ultimate goals and interpretations differ. This allowed him more freedom in dealing with solutions and surpassing the conventional. Like any other artist, Mu'in seeks visual solutions for mass and explores new ways to relate it to the surrounding space. Among these solutions and juxtapositions, he blended elements inspired by Gothic arts and ancient Roman architecture, employing certain structural and decorative formulas.

Awards
Jury Prize XIX Youth Salon Cairo 2008

Biennial prize of biennial port said 2009

Egyptian state awards for sculpture 2018