Britt Boutros-Ghali’s works are an invitation to a journey, a sensory exploration where color and movement reign supreme. Born in Norway, it was in Egypt, her adopted homeland for over fifty years, that the artist found an essential part of her inspiration, weaving an unbreakable bond between her Nordic roots and the richness of Egyptian culture. This duality is reflected in her paintings, where the dramatic power of Scandinavian landscapes meets the warmth and light of the Middle East.
Internationally recognized, Britt Boutros-Ghali practices a form of abstract expressionism often defined as “action painting.” Her creative process is a true physical and mental commitment. Far from any premeditation, she approaches the blank canvas by emptying her mind, letting pure energy guide her. The initial chaos, made up of vibrant colors and dynamic forms, is gradually structured under her gestures, giving rise to compositions that transcend pure abstraction. Echoes of figurative, animal, or human forms can sometimes emerge, inviting multiple interpretations.
The artist herself describes her work as a relentless search for the perfect painting, an energy that constantly pushes her to surpass herself. Each work is an attempt to bring order to inner turmoil and, by extension, to the turmoil of the world. Her paintings, true kaleidoscopes, are designed to convey a sense of beauty, peace, and healing to those who contemplate them. She aspires for her art to transport the viewer away from the complexities and sufferings of everyday life.
The influence of Egypt is palpable, not only in the dazzling color palette but also in the incorporation of cultural practices and local materiality. Nature, with its organic growth phenomena, is another important source of inspiration, manifesting itself in the spontaneity and structure of her brushstrokes. The artist also cites Gustav Klimt among her influences, admiring his decadence and the uninhibited embellishment of his works.
Beyond technique, a spiritual dimension permeates Britt Boutros-Ghali’s work. She feels guided in her creation, seeking to infuse soul and good energy into her paintings, hoping that these will be transmitted to future collectors. Her philosophy of life, based on generosity, kindness, and humility, is reflected in her desire to create art that does good.
Her career is marked by prestigious awards, testifying to her contributions to contemporary art. Among them are the Order of St. Olav, Norway’s highest artistic distinction, and more recently, a lifetime achievement award 정부 by the Egyptian government, highlighting her indelible impact on the artistic landscape of her adopted homeland.
Therefore, the exhibition at Galerie Son in Berlin marks an important event, celebrating the return to Germany of an artist whose powerful and sincere works continue to fascinate. It is an opportunity to discover or rediscover a style of painting that, while reflecting the world’s turbulence, seeks to appease it through the quiet strength of beauty.
The exhibition will take place during Gallery Weekend Berlin in 2025.
