In a cultural statement marking the “Year of Umm Kulthum,” Egypt’s Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heny inaugurated the art exhibition “Voice of Egypt – The Sound That Inspired the Image” at the Aisha Fahmy Palace in Zamalek. The exhibition brings together 29 contemporary artists and showcases rare artifacts to honor the enduring legacy of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum.
The exhibition, organized by the Fine Arts Sector under Dr. Walid Qannoush and in collaboration with the Cultural Development Fund led by architect Hamdy El Sattouhi, serves as a multidimensional tribute to Kawkab Al Sharq—the “Star of the East”—and her indelible mark on Egyptian and Arab culture.
“This exhibition embodies the genius of Umm Kulthum as an extraordinary symbol of Egyptian identity,” said Minister Heny during the opening ceremony. “It reflects our nation’s commitment to honoring its cultural icons and presenting them to new generations as timeless role models of Egypt’s cultural uniqueness and leadership.”
A Convergence of Art, Memory, and National Identity
Blending contemporary visual arts with musical history and archival journalism, Voice of Egypt offers a rare, immersive experience. Paintings, sculptures, and installations created by artists from diverse generations and disciplines explore the influence of Umm Kulthum’s artistry and persona.
The exhibition also features an extensive documentation wing, tracing a century of Umm Kulthum’s presence in Egyptian and Arab press through original issues of newspapers and magazines chronicling her artistic and public life.
“Umm Kulthum was the voice of a nation—singing for Egypt and for the Arab world,” Minister Heny added. “Her voice carried the strength of Egyptian identity, the depth of its civilization, and represented the collective conscience of a people.”
Honoring a National Icon Through a New Lens
Dr. Walid Qannoush, head of the Fine Arts Sector, emphasized that this exhibition is part of a broader strategy to reintroduce Egypt’s cultural icons in contemporary and engaging formats.
“‘Umm Kulthum Sings Again’ is not just an exhibition—it is a cultural milestone,” said Qannoush. “It represents how artists today continue to draw inspiration from her voice, her persona, and her national role. Fifty years after her passing, she remains an eternal figure in Egypt’s golden age of creativity.”
“This exhibition is a visual documentation of Umm Kulthum’s exceptional journey,” noted Heny. “It opens new creative horizons while reinforcing the role of culture in preserving national memory and celebrating our cultural pioneers.”
In collaboration with the Umm Kulthum Museum in Manial, the exhibit includes a rare selection of her personal belongings, providing visitors a closer look at the woman behind the voice. From iconic stage attire to handwritten lyrics and historical recordings, these items offer a personal and emotional dimension to the experience.
