The social and political movements in 2011 have awakened and inspired a new generation of graffiti and fine artists in Egypt. Artists, and their creative content have become bolder, more diverse, and confident. New platforms and galleries such as Darb 1718’s, Biennial initiative “Something Else”, Cairo Photo Week and Ubuntu art gallery, have also emerged as a result of this impetus. Paradoxically, the contemporary market is suffering. After talking to a number of the most well known art markets movers and shakers, for example owners and managers at Al Masar gallery, Karim Francis gallery, Zamalek art gallery, Gymsum, Safar Khan, Artsmart and Khan Elmag for the past nine months, it appears that sales are plummeting, exhibitions are not well attended and future prospects seem gloomy for newer, emerging galleries. Some might even say that the Cairo art market has lost its ‘mojo’ as, the way it currently stands, it is suffering of a lack of dynamism and excitement. Collectors who used to buy countless paintings before 2011 are buying much less or not at all. The older collectors have less demand for art work, while the younger collectors’ buying power…
