Eslam ElRihany

Egypt

"Eslam El Rihany’s artistic style depends on personalization as a main element in his paintings. With topics and themes inspired from life and humanitarian relationships and all that they withhold from artistic effects, he also reflects on people personalities and their facial expressions in his work."

MEET

Eslam ElRihany

Eslam ElRihany (b. 1986) is a renowned Egyptian contemporary artist and academic professor at El Minia University, where he teaches painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts. A graduate of the same institution, ElRihany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (2008), followed by a Master’s (2016) and PhD (2021), establishing himself as a leading figure in academic painting and modern Egyptian visual art.

His career has been marked by a commitment to both artistic practice and cultural preservation. In 2016, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study oil painting restoration and museum display techniques in Hildesheim, Germany, further expanding his skill set at the intersection of art history, conservation, and exhibition curation.

ElRihany's work explores figurative painting with academic precision, yet infuses contemporary sensibility, reflecting Egypt’s evolving artistic narrative. His paintings have been widely exhibited in national and international forums, including the Dubai International Art Exhibition, Egypt International Art Exhibition, and his most recent solo show, The Body Music, which offered a visceral exploration of form, identity, and rhythm.

As a Middle Eastern visual artist, ElRihany has also participated in international art workshops in India and Turkey, enriching his approach through cross-cultural dialogue. His practice not only reflects technical mastery but also serves as a bridge between classical training and contemporary artistic discourse.

ElRihany has received multiple national recognitions, including four awards from the Youth Salon, a prestigious Egyptian platform for emerging artists. His work has been acquired by major institutions, such as the Egyptian Modern Museum of Art and the Library of Alexandria, as well as prominent private collectors and galleries.

Combining academic rigor with expressive depth, Eslam ElRihany is a vital contributor to the landscape of modern African and Middle Eastern art. His influence spans painting, art restoration, education, and curatorial practice, making him a dynamic force in Egypt’s contemporary art scene.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
Getty Foundation Invests $2.6M in Unearthing Black Art History

The Getty Foundation has awarded $2.6 million to expand its Black Visual Arts Archives initiative, empowering 12 U.S. institutions—libraries, museums, and universities—to catalogue, digitise, and bring Black art histories into public view. This multi-year commitment spotlights previously overlooked collections, transforming archives into dynamic cultural touchpoints and promoting long-overdue visibility for Black artists and institutions.

Continue Reading
“Dear Black People… A Love Letter”: Diasporic Time-travel in Atlanta

Now open at ZuCot Gallery, Dear Black People… A Love Letter is a bold and poetic journey through the Black American experience. With over 95% of works by artists of African descent, the show reframes visual storytelling as time travel — blending memory, identity and joy.
From glowing watermelons to shimmering histories, this exhibition pulses with creativity, community and cultural pride.

Continue Reading
Zara Welcomes Ghanaian Artist Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe in Stunning Accra‑Inspired Capsule

Zara has announced a groundbreaking capsule collaboration with Ghanaian painter Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe. Featuring 16 curated looks—from vibrant embroidered trousers to statement T‑shirts and accessories—the collection channels Quaicoe’s signature palette and reflects the energy, history and spirit of Accra. This partnership not only broadens visibility for African artists but underscores the growing influence of contemporary African art in global fashion and culture.

Continue Reading

Commision An Artwork
By This Artist

We can arrange and oversee the creation of a new work made specifically for you