Hala Ahmed is grateful there is a greater interest in art among the South African public than there is in Egypt.
The young fine artist loves to paint portraits, landscapes and expressionism pieces.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, the artist who goes by the name Hala Hany Farid in her work and on social media, was among the members of Randburg Art Society when the group had an exhibition at Ferndale on Republic recently.
“I sell more sketches than paintings because paintings cost more money and people struggle to purchase them these days,” she said.
She said since the coronavirus hit and the lockdown was instituted, people have not been buying art as much as they used to.
Still, the situation is better in South Africa than elsewhere.
“I came from a big country with a history of art but normal people do not buy art as they do here. I wished my home country would make more opportunities for artists to show their work. I am very happy here in South Africa, normal people enjoy having pieces of art at home.”
Ahmed said in Egypt art was considered a luxury asset that only the most wealthy could enjoy.
“Now since the coronavirus, things have been tough for artists but we have to stay positive and do our best.”
Ahmed received her fine arts degree from Mansoura University, Egypt, in 2007. Since then, she has exhibited and sold her work at different shows, galleries and workshops in several countries.
She has worked with charcoal, oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolours, and even digital art.
She can be followed on Instagram at hala.hanyfarid or on Facebook at Hala Hany Farid.
The group will be at Ferndale on Republic again on the last weekends of September and October and will take part in World River Clean-up Day at Delta Café on September 17.
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