Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1955, Guirguis Lotfy is best known for his ancient Egyptian painting technique. He received a BFA in 1980, an MFA in 1986 and a Ph.D on “Coptic Art and Its Effect on Modern Art” from Helwan University (Cairo) in 1991. At the same time, his artistic process attests to his commitment to honouring the historical and cultural past of Egypt but also considers the evolution of painting in present times. His elaborate paintings, rich in figures, pay great attention to academic composition. They depict contemporary Egyptian life, the local characters, iconic figures, ceremonial events, simple playground and park scenes, community and family scenes. Lotfy says: ‘I am greatly influenced by the ancient Coptic art, which was always depicting light coming from people. They are stunted from stress and life’s hardships but they are content with the little they have and just go on’.
