The timeless Pyramids of Giza became the backdrop for contemporary art once again on Tuesday, as the fifth edition of the “Forever Is Now” festival opened near Cairo. The event’s centerpiece was a monumental rendition of The Third Paradise (Il Terzo Paradiso) by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, one of the leading figures of the Arte Povera movement.
At nearly 92 years old, Pistoletto unveiled a 28-meter-long version of his globally celebrated installation — which has been presented more than 2,000 times around the world. This special Egyptian edition was crafted from limestone blocks similar to those used in building the ancient pyramids. The piece culminates in a three-meter-high mirrored obelisk, reflecting the desert landscape and forming the symbol of infinity upon the sands of the Giza Plateau.
Global Artists Meet Ancient History
The festival, which runs until December 6, celebrates the intersection of ancient heritage and modern creativity, featuring artists from across the globe.
French-Beninese visual artist King Houndekpinkou contributed a column made from ceramic fragments sourced from Cairo factories, titled Totem of White Light. Standing beside his work, he described the opportunity as a chance to engage with “4,500 years — or perhaps more — of history.”
Meanwhile, South Korean artist Jungkyo Park drew inspiration directly from the geometry of the Great Pyramid of Giza to create Code of Eternity. His installation features 1,000 small acrylic mirrors embedded in the sand, forming a Morse code poem that imagines a dialogue between an ancient Egyptian pharaoh and Dangun, the mythical founder of Korea’s first kingdom.
Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (Vhils) presented an installation built from doors collected in Cairo and beyond, symbolizing the layers of cultural excavation and human history — a concept he calls The Archaeological Process.
A Global Celebration of Art in Egypt
Alongside these highlights, this year’s edition features works by Turkish artist Mert Ege Köse, American designer Alex Proba, Lebanese sculptor Nadim Karam, Brazilian artist Anna Ferrari, Egyptian artist Salha El-Masry, and the Russian collective Recycle Group.
Organized annually at the Giza Plateau, “Forever Is Now” has become one of the world’s most distinctive open-air art festivals, merging contemporary art, sustainability, and heritage preservation under the shadow of one of humanity’s oldest wonders.
