Egyptian diplomat leads artist at Zebras Crossing Café
By Alfred Tembo in Zambia – When many consider art as a time passing activity, Dr. Khaled Melad Rezek, Egyptian diplomat in Zambia, rather considers it a ‘serious business’ that ought to be treated with respect like any other forms of occupations people can ever indulge in.
Mei by Dr. Khaled Melad Rezek
In his own words, ambassador, Rezek says, “Art is not luxury, for me it’s a way of life.”
To the diplomat’s memory the trade of pencil and paper is rather something that runs in his blood that he cannot fine a definite demarcating line that separates a time he never knew of art and when he considered art a culture, in his personal life.
“I do not remember when l did started drawing, it was just a long time ago since childhood, sometimes you do not need more than a pencil and paper to put every single emotion and passion you have in the form of figures and structures or undefined lines that just represent you as the identity card,” said the envoy, born in Alexandra city popularly known to many as the bride of Mediterranean Sea.
Abandoned Hippy by Rose Goddard
In the process of learning about a people, art remains a critical door way to a fresh world of simplicity and bliss.
The diplomat added, “As life goes on, we are still learning both about arts and ourselves, so let’s keep it simple and enjoy with pleasure.“
Speaking in an interview, Candice Rogoff, the exhibition curator and arts instructor says,”This exhibition is a spark of life to new artistic talents, in the country and beyond.”
Undaunted by Army McAuley
Candice a philanthropist through his company The Art Shop, and major sponsor to the exhibition through her free weekly arts training program added, “I believe for a new season that will usher to us a new crop of artist that Zambia is yet to set its eyes on. I believe we are all created with a purpose in life one way or the other some will find their purpose through art.”
Other artist
Among the long list of artist exhibiting their work at Zebra Crossing Café/ Addis Abba House in a month long exhibition title,“Hidden talents revealed for the love of art,” that runs until 5 March 2015, are: Suheir El Ali, Val Jones, Ashleigh Drazdik, Chiara Goetsch, J. C Lambert, Candice Rogoff, Amy McAuley, Laura Chimowitz, Marianne Chapaman, Parvi Poyhonen, Cherry de Wet, Stella Dubler, Shayne Hull, Chamaine Bowker, Rose Goddard, Keryn Nieuwoubt, Chandwa Mubanga, Anila Kuntawala and Francis Sibeso.
Proteas by Cherry de Wet
