Migrants to the North is a solo exhibition by Egyptian visual artist Hady Boraey showcasing his latest series of works that explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and childhood. Drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Coptic art, Boraey relies on metaphors, guiding viewers through a journey rich in poetic nuances. The exhibition is being held at Fann À Porter and will be open to the public until 5 April 2025.
The collection of acrylic paintings on display is inspired by My Grandmother Told Me, a book of children’s stories that Boraey discovered in his father’s library as a child. These tales became an integral part of his early consciousness, so much so that he believed them to be historical truths, often imagining himself as their hero. “More than any other story, the stories of sailors and immigrants took me to distant lands in the north,” the artist reflects.
According to Boraey, the figures in his paintings possess supernatural qualities; they are peaceful beings who cherish life, standing in contemplation of vast spaces. His imagery, featuring families, horses, and plants, symbolises the encounters along a migrant’s path. These figures traverse landscapes imbued with the hues of mountains, deserts, and valleys in search of a dreamlike promised land.
Boraey shares that, from childhood to adulthood, he was deeply influenced by the dream of living in a distant land. Some of his paintings capture this youthful longing, reflecting the emotions of his younger self.
About the artist
Hady Boraey (b. 1984, Alexandria, Egypt) resides in Cairo (Egypt). He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts (2005), a Master’s degree (2011), and a PhD (2015). Presently, he is a lecturer in the Graphic Department at Alexandria University’s Faculty of Fine Arts.
Boraey’s practice spans painting, drawing, video, sculpture, and installation, alongside experiments with digital media. His works open a window into poetic and dramatic fantasy realms that transcend borders, whether geographical or imaginative. In his symbolic universe, sculptural figures, birds, and cats echo influences from ancient Egyptian and Coptic art. Recurring motifs such as the box and the necklace appear as symbols of protection and restriction, reflecting the tension between privacy and exposure. Despite their distant and enigmatic presence, his subjects seek connection and long to share their anxieties, hopes, and pursuit of a better life.
Boraey has displayed his works in a plethora of exhibitions, including Seven Steps to The Valley (solo) (Art Talks Egypt, 2022); Sorci Egiziani (Egyptian Academy, Rome, Italy, 2018); Abu Dhabi Art Fair (2017); Biennale World Event for Young Artists (WEYA, Nottingham, UK, 2012); and XV Biennale de la Mediterranée (Thessaloniki, Greece, 2011), among others.
Boraey’s multiple accolades include the Creativity Prize from the Egyptian Academy in Rome (2021), first place in the To Heal the World Virtual Competition (Caravan Foundation, USA, 2020), and the Collectibles Award (CIB Bank, Salon of Youth, Cairo, 2014). He has also taken part in several residencies, such as the Residency Programme from the BAL ART Foundation (Belgium, 2018) and the Baltic Art Institution Residency Programme (Poland, 2016). His art pieces are part of various collections across Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Jordan, the UAE, the UK, and Egypt.
To get more information about Migrants to the North, please go to the official web page of the exhibition.
Additionally, you might be interested in The Season of Ruin’s Remembrance, Amirhossein Bayani’s solo show, and the Chromatic Dialogues collective exhibition at Artbooth Gallery.
