Before the Lunar New Year, at Tunis Fayoum which located on the great pearl of the Nile belt, the Ancient Egypt and the ancient China explored each other through the media of their respective cultures. New Aspect Art Association members were invited to the Winter Art Academy of Fayoum Art Center to explore the inheritance of each others ancient art forms and techniques through the presence of art, creation, interactions and exhibition. Seeking a cllaboration with each other to create the essence of the time and the spark of innovation.

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The distance is far away between Egypt and Tainan. both sides are full of curiosity.  They are unfamiliar about each other. We tried to link the two sides. In a sense we tried to imitate the ancient Silk Road. We tried to open a paper and mural Media Road. We started by the introduction of the different forms of writing, painting on different types of papers and fresco art. 

In other words, the Ancient Egyptian civilization and Ancient Chinese culture met in Fayoum, Egypt.

Speaking of the word “paper”, some people believe it came from the words “papyrus”. Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawaas said one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 21st century was a roll of papyrus more than 4,500 years ago found in Wadi Al Jarf, not far from Port Suez in the Red Sea. In the 26th year of the reign of Pharaoh Khufu of the Fifth Dynasty. A foreman, Merer, wrote the construction log on papyrus during the building of the Great Pyramid in Giza. This papyri provided quite extraordinary archaeological discoveries. Although the modern Egyptians no longer use papyrus as a medium for painting and calligraphy, no one can forget its important position in the cultural perfunctory of 5,000 years.

There is a direct relationship between the advanced civilization and the speed of cultural communication. When the eastern world was still using tortoise shell and animal bone, bamboo and wood slips, Egyptian papyrus has already created Egyptian brilliant civilization, also prompted the Greeks and the Romans to borrow the convenience of this paper. This was the birth of their magnificent civilizations. 

Chinese calligraphy and painting paper is called “rice paper”. Paper is one of the important inventions that the Chinese people are proud of. Although it was 3,000 years after first Egyptian papyrus used. The low cost and convenience of Chinese inventor Cai Lun paper has also been introduced into the Western world, which has accelerated the process of human knowledge sharing. Michael H. Hart (born April 27, 1932) American astrophysicist and author, put Cai Lun in seventh place with "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”

The two sides met in the beautiful Fayoum Art Center museum courtyard and held this cultural interactions as a medium and exhibition exchange.

Papyrus painting technique was demonstrated by Mr. Mohamed Abla, the founder and owner of the Art Center. Mohamed is an internationally renowned artist. His art painting presents flow and freedom. He introduced the charactor of Papyrus, and demostrate several art techniques on Papyrus, latter he painted portraits for the regiment members happily, stirring up the eager fun of all artists to experience the painting of papyrus firsthand.

Egyptian artist Marian Nosshi has been working on Frescos for a long time. She demonstrated the production of frescos. Most people who have seen the mausoleum of the Valley of the Kings have never thought about how the ancient Egyptians painted on the rock walls, and fortunately, because of the demonstration of Miss Marian, we understood the necessary skills in ancient Egyptian cave wall paintings, that layer of frescos really opened everyone’s eyes.

Chinese Ink calligraphy and paintings also draw high interest to the Winter Art academy artists .  The method of ink brush stroke was demonstrated by Tom John, the chairman of New Aspect. He explained the technique of brush painting, not only interpreted  how to build up a well balanced painting  with the brush and ink , but also bring out the spirit of Chinese literati painting in depth and simplicity.

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Calligraphy and Seal Carving renown master Mr. Du Qidong performed Chinese writting characters in different era in the history.  He demonstrated the highly artistic types of calligraphy art vividly, and generally shared the wooden carved seal print to every one.  

All the New Aspect artist members were excited to absorb the new knowledge, while the artists from Austria, England, USA and all Egyptian artists have repeatedly and cheerfully expressed their delight in the exchange process.

The last day, we had a campfire Farewell Party. The New Aspect artists were requested to sing  "The Moon represents my Heart”   which was sang in the last year during Taiwanese Women’s Artists Association visit to the Fayoum Art Center. Although on the night without the moon in the sky, the warm moon rise in each others heart. All winter art Academy cadets in hands in hands around a circle, singing and dancing Taiwanese folklore "Alisan Song". Campfire beep, stars flashing, in the desert cold air everyones heart was full of warmth. We came as visitors and left as friends. East and West Art Horizons broaden each other.

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Cecilia wrote in 2019 early spring 

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