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Born in Bab Al-Shi’ria district, Cairo in 1917, Gamal al-Sigini was a pioneer of plastic arts in general, sculpture in particular. His revolutionary sculptures have set the trend for a movement combining both the psychological and the artistic dimensions. The social and economic environment of his childhood had left a tremendous effect on his art. al-Sigini believed that the artist should give voice to the people's problems and sufferings. Al-Sigini joined the Higher School of Fine Arts in 1933. In the period 1951-64, Gamal al-Sigini worked as professor of sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University. Al-Sigini’s works, especially those done during the 1940's and 1950's, chronicle the development of the modern Egyptian artistic movement. Al-Sigini was deeply influenced by the British sculptor Henry Moore. He was a life-long advocate of innovation and creativity. His exquisite works include oil paintings, clay statutes, monumental sculptures, hammered-copper medals, bronze busts and mural relieves - to name but a few. Al-Sigini, further, employed Islamic art elements, such as minarets and domes. In appreciation of Al-Sigini’s distinguished career, the 1974 report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organization (UNESCO) entitled "Contemporary Art Techniques in Egypt" includes a whole section on his life and artistic production. Awards:
• 1956 Artistic Production Award.
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