Interview: Aly Hegazy
Luca Curci talks with Aly Hegazy during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2021 at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

My name is Aly Hegazy, I am 23 years old and currently based in Madrid. I started creating art from a tender age and have been captivated by the craft ever since. My oeuvre encompasses visual art that engages the complex themes of anthropology, self-discovery, relationships, and the social pressures on both men and women. Apart from a deeper message, my latest artistic collection is more about expressing a certain mood and being led by a dreamlike instinct while creating. All the designs were primarily visualized on a paper base; and later combined with digital elements, which were used for the final look. Lastly, the visual areas between landscapes and abstraction, are realms of knowledge that I am profoundly looking forward to exploring in greater detail.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Aly Hegazy – I believe that art is an avenue for documenting one’s thoughts, impulses and emotions; as well as a vital asset that can make the unknown come to fruition.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
AH – My background is Egyptian, however, I grew up the majority of my life in Spain. I was fortunate to have seen and experienced a vast scope of cultures and people, which have highly been a beacon of inspiration during my creative artistic journey. Likewise, my studies in psychology and criminology during my undergraduate studies sparked my interest in the unconscious and human development which I have transcended within my artistic expression.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration? 
AH – I draw my inspiration from a number of personal experiences and emotions. I enjoy being very in tune with my surroundings and get real joy from documenting and storytelling my observations. Also, it’s quite exciting to get a chance every day to push oneself further creatively and simply create.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
AH – My artworks encompass art that engages the complex themes of culture, self-discovery, relationships, and the social pressures on both men and women.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
AH – Artists play a very important role as social commentators. Pushing boundaries and raising all sorts of social, cultural, philosophical and biological discussions to be thought over and contemplated for the years to come. Also, offer color and a sense of escapism for the observer.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
AH – The artworks that I have exhibited come from my latest collection named “The Fleming Diary”. I had created the majority of this catalogue during the first Covid lockdown back in Madrid in 2020. The collection incorporates a broad range of personal, cultural, and philosophical allusions – using a contemporary style to capture those empathic observations. “The Fleming Diary” is more about expressing a certain self-awareness while being led by a dreamlike instinct while creating.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
AH – The mutual interaction between body and space was one of the main components of “The Fleming Diary” collection. The interactive nature of transitioning; new beginnings; self-awareness and the spatial responsibilities we as humans beings have been burdened with as a result of the ever-constant sociological, political and cultural changes are all components in my recent works.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
AH – Definitely, ITSLIQUID Group has a great reach and online presence. Emerging and established artists have the opportunity to exhibit their works around some of the most important artistic cities in the world. Likewise, the platform brings together and connects like-minded people.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
AH – I really enjoyed this opportunity to cooperate with ITSLIQUID Group, as well as having my first art exhibition in Venice, Italy, which was very special. The team was very helpful before, during, and after my visit to THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
AH – I think ITSLIQUID is a fantastic platform and offers great value for up-and-coming artists to get their work exhibited. Likewise, the platform’s strive for more inclusion and diversity is really great.