Poland in Egypt

The Polish Embassy in Cairo was the co-organizer of the grand opening. This also marked the hundredth anniversary of birth of the world-famous Polish poet. The artist received from the chargé d'affaires a.i. Michał Chabros the distinction of “Bene Merito” medal. It is awarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland for work that strengthens Poland on the world stage.

While expressing her gratitude, the artist emphasized the inspiration she had drawn from the work of the Polish Nobel Prize winner. She underlined that the important message that guides her work is, above all, respect for humanity and diversity.

In order to show the universality of the message of Wisława Szymborska's poetry, the poem titled “Nothing twice” was read in ten languages: Polish, Arabic, English, Czech, French, Japanese, Lithuanian, German, Persian and Slovak. The poem in Japanese was read by spouse of the Ambassador of Japan Mrs Oka Rieko. 

The ceremony ended with a concert of traditional Egyptian music performed by local artists.

The opening gathered representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Polish community in Egypt, and many local artists. The works are on display at the Odyssey Gallery in Cairo's Heliopolis district until 28^th November 2023.

Izabela Uchman is a Polish painter born in Warsaw, with professional and family connections with Egypt. In her paintings, she combines elements of calligraphy, Arabic shapes and symbols, as well as figures. This work is embedded in cultural diversity. Her paintings were presented, among others, in Cairo's main mosque, Al-Azhar, and during the recent “Unity of Humanity” exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt.