March 13, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Tina Lehman, SAMA-Johnstown Coordinator

(814) 269-7234

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA-JOHNSTOWN EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS CAREER OF KAMAL YOUSSEF

            Johnstown – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Johnstown is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, KAMAL: His Passion – His People. The exhibition, on view March 27 through June 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.

            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.

            “I’ve been looking forward to this exhibition for some time,” said Tina Lehman, SAMA-Johnstown Coordinator. “It had a successful debut at our Altoona Museum and I have since been anxious to share it with our Johnstown audience. Kamal Youssef is an artist whose work exhibits great passion, not only for his homeland of Egypt, but for life as well. His passion seems to emanate off the canvas. With his use of color and shape, every one of his pieces tells a story. I hope that everybody will come out to see this collection and experience a truly fascinating exhibition by one of our region’s most talented artists.”

            The Museum is hosting an Opening Reception with the artist from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Cost for the program is $12 or $10 for members. Reservations are required by April 15, and can be made by calling the Museum at (814) 269-7234 for reservations.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Johnstown is located in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.