November 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA-ALTOONA EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS CAREER OF KAMAL YOUSSEF

            Altoona – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, KAMAL: His Passion – His People. The exhibition, on view December 5 through March 14, features 59 paintings that capture the cultural influence embodied in the work of artist, Kamal Youssef.

            The artist’s Egyptian heritage is never far from his thoughts, evidenced by his flattened figures, minimalist shapes and burning colors. His work harkens to the beautiful and bold designs of ancient Egyptian art and is steeped in the glorious traditions of Egyptian lore, yet is met with the artist’s contemporary style of painting to create an inspiring body of work that clearly identifies Youssef’s passion for life, his people and his heritage.

            Born in Cairo in 1923, Youssef has been painting for more than 60 years. As a youngster, Youssef was greatly influenced by his maternal grandfather, Mohammed Swelem el-Bekri, who taught him to appreciate people of different backgrounds. The lessons he learned in those years have carried with him, as Youssef’s artwork clearly exhibits a sincere love for all people.

            “To be a great artist, one must always convey their inner energy and passion through their work. Kamal Youssef succeeds in this endeavor, emboldening his figures with his own charming characteristics,” said SAMA-Altoona Coordinator and exhibition curator, Barbara Hollander. “Strength, humor and compelling determination are evident, accentuated by his bold use of color and composition. The viewer can’t help but be drawn closer to analyze the artist’s intent. I invite everyone to come celebrate Kamal Youssef’s contagious love of life, art and people.”

            Youssef’s artistic talent was recognized from an early age. He began by painting with watercolors and paper given to him by his father. Upon being selected for a new, progressive secondary school, his art blossomed. Under the tutelage of artist Ratib Siddik and European instructors, the new school led Youssef to seek new heights in his art. Instead of pursuing art at university, however, his father encouraged him to obtain a degree in engineering. It would prove to be a wise decision, as his engineering career would in turn provide him more artistic and economic freedom. After immigrating to the United States in 1957, Youssef worked as an engineer for a Pittsburgh-based firm for 27 years, designing highway overpasses and steel mills.

            Youssef’s paintings continue to be influenced by his native Egypt. The color palette, the appreciation of people and the passion for the land can be seen throughout his works. Numerous travels to Europe and the Middle East also helped his growth as an artist. Youssef, who has exhibited his work throughout the United States, France, Egypt, Italy and Brazil, is now retired and lives in Indiana County, yet continues to paint at his home studio.

            The Museum is hosting an Opening Reception with the artist from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Cost for the program is $12 or $10 for members. Please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464 for reservations.

            The Museum also will host a special chamber music concert with members of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, January 17. The program, which begins at 2:30 p.m., will feature Mediterranean food and music performed by soloists and chamber ensembles from the ASO, with Youssef’s vivid paintings as a backdrop. Guests will have an opportunity to meet the artist, as well as ASO Conductor, Teresa Cheung. Cost for the program is $20 per person, or $10 for SAMA members and ASO subscribers. For more information, please call the Museum.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the garage across the street or in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building. For more information, please call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.