Ancient Egyptian wall paintings inspire much of contemporary Egyptian art.
Historians, archaeologists and anthropologists pore over ancient Egyptian artwork to learn about the people and culture. Contemporary Egyptian artists borrow from traditional work of their ancestors, but put a new spin on the classic work. Designs are also popular in Egypt, with colors, lines and images that draw from the historical works. When exploring contemporary art and Egyptian styles, it is fair to look widely at all of the artists' work -- from ultra-modern to traditional -- for a peek into Egyptian style.
Eye of Horus
The image of Horus' eye has become a staple in contemporary Egyptian art interior design and style. The all-seeing Eye of Horus, an almond-shaped eye with an extended hook, like the beginning of the face, was a symbol of protection in Ancient Egypt. The Eye appeared in amulets, sculptures and wall murals in the New Kingdom. The attractive shape and simple lines of the Eye make it an aesthetically pleasing feature in contemporary homes, jewelry, clothing and fine art. Contemporary Egyptian style paintings, clothing, sculptures and plaques show the alluring all-seeing eye, either in bright colors or in tan-and-black earth tones. Some believe the Eye of Horus still brings safety, here and in the afterlife.
Wall Murals
Contemporary Egyptian murals borrow from ancient traditional artwork. Ancient Egyptians painted murals inside tombs, palace walls and on the interior walls of their homes. The large, colorful, often gilded paintings depicted the sun god Ra, pharaohs, gods such as Anubis, god of the underworld, and depictions of sacred rituals and ceremonies. The same depictions can be found on murals in homes across the world, sometimes in small versions, or on tapestries in bedrooms. Paintings also display the mural-like images, including hieroglyphics.
Papyrus
Papyrus paintings and paper products are a contemporary art media borrowed from ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians created the first paper material from the fibrous stem of a water-based plant. It was the first material used for documents. Contemporary art galleries showcase modern artists using the papyrus material for provocative, ancient looking paintings and word-and-image works.
Sculptures
Egyptian style sculptures often mimic ancient Egyptian artwork, such as pharaohs, the sun-god Ra, or Horus, the god of the sky and sun. Horus, in the shape of a falcon, appears in contemporary Egyptian art in traditional replicas of the ancient version or as a modern interpretation, often carved out of cold-cast resin. The sculptures fill galleries and modern homes.
