An exemplary work from Tahia Halim’s Nubia period, 'Two Girls' perpetuates Egyptian history by presenting a modern portrayal of a conventional subject matter. The two girls are depicted carrying baskets on their heads, a theme that is frequently depicted in ancient Egyptian art. In contrast to the rigid and flat ancient illustrations that influenced her work, Halim’s representation is updated with an almost impressionist application of color that fills the composition with a sense of life and energy. Her expressive take on the ancient subject proves how intrinsic Egypt’s history is in the city’s modern culture.

This work comes framed and measures 23 x 23 inches framed.

Egyptian painter Tahia Halim (1919-2003) was a pioneer in the Expressive Movement in Egyptian Art throughout the 1960s. Maintaining a resonating passion for the Egyptian landscape and its people, Halim captured the simplistic beauty inherently found within the cities, rural villages, and countryside. Her expressionistic brushstrokes are infused with a dynamic sense of energy, with her compositions radiating a strong use of natural colors, light/dark contrasts, and bold lines to capture Egyptian life and heritage. Divided into three periods, her early work from 1941-1951 eventually developed into her confident expressionistic Folk style from 1952-1962, culminating with her focus on Nubia which held strong influences of historical Egyptian art. In 1958, the artist was awarded the Guggenheim prize and in 1966 and 1968, the State Encouragement Prize.

Select Public Collections:
Guggenheim Museum (New York, NY)
Egyptian Modern Art Museum (Cairo, Egypt)
Alexandria National Museum (Alexandria, Egypt)
Modern Art Museum (Stockholm, Sweden)