Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Ramses Younan Biography
Ramses Younan, born in 1913 in Minya, Egypt, emerged as a pivotal figure in the 20th-century art scene, particularly within the realms of Surrealism and abstract art. His journey from a modest, Coptic-Christian background into the echelons of influential Egyptian artists is a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic and intellectual growth. Younan's early life was marked by his enrollment in the School of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1929, a decision that set the stage for his future contributions to art and education. After obtaining his teaching certificate in 1934, he embarked on a teaching career, spreading his knowledge across various public schools in Egypt.
Younan's artistic and intellectual pursuits were not confined to his teaching career. In 1935, he joined the Art Advocates Society, a group founded by Egyptian artist Habib Gorgi and other art educators. This association underscored the importance of art education and laid the groundwork for Younan's future endeavors. His involvement with the society led to the publication of "The Aim of the Contemporary Artist" in 1938, a seminal work that reflected his evolving thoughts on art and society.
The mid-1930s were a tumultuous period in Egypt, with the rise of Fascist ideologies. Younan, along with other artists and intellectuals, sought to counteract these influences through the formation of the Art and Liberty group. This collective, which stood firmly against Fascism and advocated for freedom of expression, became a cornerstone of Younan's career. His contributions to the group's manifesto and his editorial role in the leftist magazine Al-Majallah Al-Jadidah showcased his commitment to societal and political issues.
Younan's artistic oeuvre is characterized by a deep engagement with Surrealism, a movement that sought to unlock the power of the unconscious mind. His works, such as "La Passion Sauvage" and "Untitled" (1946), demonstrate his ability to dismantle physical reality and explore the realms of the subconscious. These pieces, with their enigmatic figures and surreal landscapes, invite viewers into a world beyond rational logic.
Despite his success in Egypt, Younan's political activities led to his arrest in 1946. Following his release, he relocated to Paris in 1947, where he continued to develop his artistic vision. During this period, Younan delved into abstract art, a style that allowed him to explore form and space without the constraints of representational imagery. His abstract works from the 1960s, such as "Composition No. 3," exemplify his mastery of color and form, drawing inspiration from the Egyptian landscape and ecological themes.
Younan's legacy extends beyond his paintings. As a writer and critic, he contributed significantly to the discourse on art and society. His essays, including "The Disaggregation of Myths" and "Notes on a Hysterical Asceticism," challenged conventional notions of truth and fiction, advocating for the artist's role in shaping societal narratives.
Ramses Younan's impact on the Egyptian art scene and beyond cannot be overstated. As a co-founder of the Art and Liberty group, he played a crucial role in introducing and spreading Surrealist ideas in Egypt. His artistic and intellectual contributions continue to inspire generations of artists and thinkers. Younan's exploration of the unconscious mind, combined with his revolutionary spirit, cemented his place as a leading figure in 20th-century modernism. His death in 1966 marked the end of a prolific career, but his legacy lives on through his artworks and writings, which remain a source of inspiration and reflection.
Ramses Younan Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: