Exhibitions concept
Life of A Box
The Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój is a site with a unique heritage, aspiring to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As the sole preserved and operational establishment of its kind in Poland, and one of the few in Europe, the museum has been dedicated to promoting eco-friendly attitudes for many years. It organizes various initiatives, including educational exhibitions such as “Maphology – raw material of the 21st century” and the annual Paper Festival. The exhibition titled “Life of a Box” aligns seamlessly with the museum’s mission, demonstrating that art can embody not only beauty but also responsibility. It serves as a platform for contemplation and discussion regarding environmental protection, sustainable development, climate change, and biodiversity.
Artist Hesham Malik embraces the sustainability trend and is actively involved in shaping its future direction. The unique initiative, “Life of a Box,” which he established in 2000, offers a transformative perspective on the upcycling of recyclable materials through an educational art project.
Hesham proposes that art can take an alternative route – one that not only reduces environmental harm but also fosters cultural transformation. In the context of the “Life of a Box” exhibition, discarded cartons – which may appear to be worthless waste – are converted into distinctive pieces of art. The artist demonstrates that recycling can not only diminish waste, safeguard natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also serve as a source of inspiration and convey significant artistic messages.
He is recognized for addressing social and spiritual issues, and his endeavors frequently fulfill charitable and educational objectives. “Life of a Box” is yet another initiative where Malik employs art as a means for transformation and raising awareness.
A Dialogue in Timelessness on the Canvases of Two Icons of Contemporary Art
In the „Samay“ exhibition, artist Hesham Malik and Goa, India-based artist Mohan Naik present their works. Both artists bring their unique perspectives on time and life, which merge into a multifaceted dialogue on the canvases. Mohan Naik brings childhood memories from Goa to life through idyllic depictions of villagers. His works are finely detailed, with distinctive black outlines on a sharp white background that emphasize the connection between humans and nature.
In contrast, Hesham Malik explores the cultural understanding of life and its mutable aspects. His work focuses on the everyday life of human existence, which he analyzes and processes with unique depth. Malik’s works offer contrasts and subtle similarities, allowing the viewer to perceive various aspects of human existence.
The connection between these two different artistic approaches creates a symbiotic whole, where individual boundaries blur and ambiguous spatial relationships arise. The canvas becomes the place where reality and fiction merge into timeless narratives. The viewer is encouraged to actively engage—constructing and deconstructing complex visual structures, making them part of the artistic process.
Both artists‘ main goal was to involve the intellect and imagination of the viewer. Instead of finely distinguishing forms, they focused on the tension in the relationships between figures and space—on their stability and instability, concreteness and incomprehensibility, genesis and inevitable decay. The „Samay“ exhibition is a bold artistic endeavor that transcends cultural boundaries, creating space for deep reflection on time, life, and our ability to seek harmony in a world full of contrasts.
The „Samay“ exhibition opened at the Králíky City Museum under the leadership of Michal Kos and will then be presented at the Carpe Diem Gallery in Goa under the patronage of Daegal Godinho. This project not only creates a cultural connection between two distinct regions but also makes a unique contribution to enriching the art communities of both countries. Its ambitions and messages are undeniable, and we look forward to the resonance it will evoke in the viewers.
Indian Mythology and Heroes
Indian mythology encompasses the comprehensive tales that underlie the world’s third-largest religion. Hinduism, which vies for the title of the oldest religion in the world, has had a profound influence on the earliest civilizations on Earth. The creatures found in Hindu mythology encompass a wide array of beings, ranging from legendary vahanas to entire species. Within the sacred narratives, one can find accounts of nature spirits and malevolent demons, as well as stories featuring sea monsters and dragons.
The Regional museum of Most hosted the “Hidden Secrets” exhibition, which displayed a diverse range of artworks exploring the rich cultural heritage of India. Hesham Malik, the artist, skillfully presented a unique blend of abstract and figurative interpretations, weaving captivating stories from Indian mythology and delving into the intricate narratives of Indian life, culture, and traditions. This seamless fusion of artistic styles created an enchanting ambiance that mesmerized visitors and evoked a profound sense of awe.
Mizpah – Stories of Jewish families in Havlíčková Brod.
The exhibition’s title originated from Hebrew (מִצְפָּה miṣpāh, mitspah) and symbolizes the profound emotional bond shared by two individuals, particularly when they are separated by significant physical distance or even by death. Additionally, it also alludes to a heap of stones, which was traditionally erected as a symbol of a covenant between two individuals, with God serving as their vigilant observer (Genesis 31:44-54).
Furthermore, the word “mizpah” is commonly associated with a cemetery. Each gravestone in the Jewish cemetery in Havlíčkův Brod holds a unique story. While some stories are known to us, others will forever remain a mystery. Some inscriptions honor the deceased, while others offer solace to the grieving through prayers. The “MIZPAH” exhibition aims to bridge the gap between the community and these narratives, shedding light on the history of the Jewish community in Havlíčkův Brod during the tragic events of the Holocaust. A part of the exhibition was dedicated to the Jewish families of Havlíčková Brod, focusing on three prominent families – the Mahlers, the Pachners, and the Turnovskás.
Alongside the exhibition, students from schools actively participated in Hesham’s worldwide initiative called “Incomplete”. This global project has been ongoing since 2021. “Incomplete” is a straightforward project in which students examine a painting and jot down the initial word that comes to their mind. Once the artist gathers all the words, a description is formulated for the painting. This description serves as a comprehensive summary of all the words provided by the school students who have shared their thoughts on the artwork.
IRIDESCENT
A visual and philosophical exploration of human transformation, capturing the multi-layered essence of the personal journey within a landmark historical setting.
The expansive exhibition “IRIDESCENT,” hosted at the Museum and Gallery of Northern Pilsen in Mariánská Týnice, presents a profound visual meditation on the outward and inward paths we walk. Utilizing the magnificent architectural backdrop of this historic site, the display acts as a dynamic vehicle for storytelling. It weaves together the diverse, lived narratives of pilgrims from all corners of the globe through a masterful combination of figurative abstraction, intricate realism, photography, and wood-based techniques.
The core philosophy of the exhibition hinges on the concept of shifting light and continuous transformation. Rather than following a conventional, linear path, the collection offers fragmented glimpses of human experience, symbolizing how profoundly a journey—whether physical, spiritual, or symbolic—can reshape our inner values. By mirroring the courage, catharsis, and resilience required to navigate uncertainty, the artwork establishes a wordless language of color and texture, intentionally providing a rare moment of absolute stillness and personal introspection in a heavily polarized world.
A deeply introspective journey into the heart of a city, capturing the delicate space where local history meets an outsider’s perspective.
The exhibition “Silent Encounters: Me, the Stranger, and the Soul of Jindřichův Hradec” was hosted in the historic setting of the Jesuit Seminary at the Museum of Jindřichohradecka. This project approach shifted away from conventional presentations, focusing instead on an anthropological and ethnographic exploration of the local environment. By intentionally engaging with the community, the artwork serves as a direct bridge between distinct cultural viewpoints and deep personal introspection.
The core of the exhibition centers on the philosophy of listening and observing. Rather than acting merely as an independent creator, the artist adopted the role of an attentive observer—a “stranger” collecting the unseen nuances, local traditions, and shared memories that define the collective soul of Jindřichův Hradec. The resulting collection invites the audience to look inward, transforming subtle social interactions and local philosophies into evocative visual narratives that challenge how we perceive identity, belonging, and the spaces we inhabit.
18
The exhibition titled ’18’ took place at the Jerusalem Synagogue, where the artist Hesham Malik examined both contemporary and historical dimensions of global Jewish communities through his artistic creations. Each painting embodies knowledge and safeguards a piece of history.
The exhibition highlights the lasting impact of the Jewish presence on a global scale. It explores a variety of lesser-known Jewish communities from different areas of the world. The title 18 signifies the exhibition’s emphasis on the investigation of diverse narratives. Artist Hesham delves into the experiences of Jewish communities in places such as Tokyo, Mexico, the Netherlands, Iran, Rome, and others, showcasing their unique “Life” stories to the audience. These “Life” narratives served as a source of inspiration for the artist’s paintings.
The collection of stories from diverse communities across the globe illustrates that Jewish communities are defined by their warmth, hospitality, and generosity, with the Jewish identity largely rooted in religious practices. Important life events for Jews are frequently marked by rituals, and various festivals are observed each year to celebrate key events in Jewish history. At the heart of the Jewish faith is the veneration of God, with many Jews highlighting the importance of prayer and collective worship in the synagogue.
Anecdote
In today’s society, the increasingly obvious process of cultivating a sense of self-identity and meaning involves a path to reclaiming the basic right to self-ownership and ownership of one’s own voice, narrative, and its anchoring in physical presence. Crucially, the active effort to recognize the right to exist, to affirm one’s worth, beauty and ability to love is a significant effort that moves the individual from a state of insignificance to a state of significance. This exhibition is about how to achieve this state. How to assert your meaning.
With the exhibition called “Anecdotes”, the author Hesham Malik immerses himself in personal narratives, where he examines individual and shared experience. The remarkable stories of individuals are both compelling and thought-provoking, representing the range of challenges and triumphs that are pervasive in our society.
Hesham’s paintings serve visitors as a tangible source of inspiration and motivation. The narratives presented in the exhibition “Anecdotes” are honest and motivating at the same time, showing that a sense of personal importance can lead to unlimited success. Striking changes in art technique are attributed to the use of vivid hues as a primary means of communication.
African Kuumba: Exploring the Ancestral Connections
Renowned globetrotter Hesham Malik has devoted a significant portion of his life to immersing himself in the cultures of indigenous tribes in Africa. Collaborating with the curators of the Dvur Králové Museum, the author has meticulously curated an extraordinary art exhibition that showcases the rich tapestry of myths, stories, and the intertwined lives of both humans and animals.
Within the historic confines of the Old Town Hall building at the City Museum in Dvór Králové, a captivating display unfolds. Large-scale canvases and elegant wooden sculptures breathe life into creatures such as rhinoceroses, elephants, and other ethereal, demonic, or simply intriguing beings.
The exhibition, aptly titled “Kuumba,” serves as a reminder of our responsibility to strive for excellence and leave a lasting legacy. It urges us to surpass the achievements of our ancestors, creating a heritage that is not only more beautiful but also more beneficial to future generations.
The artist has dedicated this exhibition to Josef Vágner, as well as to all those intrepid individuals who continue to seek ways to forge a legacy that transcends the mere shadows of their predecessors. The exhibition at the Dvur Králové Museum commenced with an opening ceremony on February 17, 2023.
The Dobrošov Fortress, which was first established in 1938, served as a protective stronghold against the Nazi forces. In 1968, it was opened to the public, and in the year 2022, it was the site of the “Make Art Not War” initiative.
Following a comprehensive three-year reconstruction, alongside the architectural transformation of the edifice, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a distinctive collection of “Make Art Not War” exhibitions by the esteemed artist, Hesham Malik. As they traverse the tourist circuit surrounding the fortress, they will encounter three art exhibitions entitled “Ethereal,” “Raw,” and “Bitye.”
The fort’s authentic ambiance, coupled with its unrefined integration with the earth, resonates and radiates through the vibrant and emotive works on display. The paintings showcased in the Ethereal and Bitye exhibitions are complemented by raw wooden artworks that seamlessly merge visual and sculptural art.
The world serves as a stage where we all play a part in a collective narrative. However, the distinction lies in how time alters both our surroundings and ourselves. There was a period when tribes sought refuge in caves and mountains, transforming these unique locales into cultural communities where knowledge was cultivated and transmitted. It is within these extraordinary spaces that some of the earliest weapons in human history were discovered and crafted. Furthermore, caves served as the initial galleries and museums, preserving art for future generations.
Renowned for his ability to accompany his paintings with compelling narratives, the artist has chosen to allow the art to speak for itself on this occasion. The grand opening of the fortress and the exhibition was on May 3rd and the exhibitions were available for viewing until October 16, 2022.
An international dialogue on spirituality, community voices, and the timeless duality of the human condition, beautifully juxtaposed within a historic sacred space.
The main exhibition entitled “Angels and Demons” is hosted at the prestigious Museum of Religious Art of the Pilsen Diocese, presenting an extensive international project by the acclaimed artist, Hesham Malik. Grounded in the original meanings of the Greek terms *angelos* (messenger) and *daimon* (spiritual guide), the display explores the age-old tension between light and darkness, transforming grand symbolic themes into reflections of everyday human reality.
The heart of this evocative installation relies entirely on community collaboration and direct global dialogue. Local Pilsen citizens actively participated by gifting the artist personal words that capture their individual perceptions of good and evil, while prominent theological thinkers from New York, Jerusalem, Greenland, and England provided deep spiritual reflections. This collective tapestry of secular emotions and sacred insights forms the core inspiration of Malik’s expressive abstractions, creating an immersive aesthetic journey that seamlessly connects people across regions.
The artist firmly believes that a sense of community is fostered through shared experiences, particularly during periods of adversity. His creative inspiration is derived from the collective experiences of individuals residing in and around urban areas, and is manifested through the use of color and abstract forms.
Complementing this spiritual exploration is the accompanying showcase, “Life of a Box,” held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment. For these works, Malik utilized authentic recycled industrial packaging contributed by over 100 global institutions across Germany, France, England, Norway, the United States, and the Czech Republic. Displayed within the context of a religious museum, these unique art objects serve as a profound, visual reminder that care for our shared environment and inner spiritual growth are deeply inseparable values. possibility.
An artistic exploration of sustainabiltiy, human connection, and the unexpected beauty of everyday materials showcased at the heart of Europe.
The exhibition entitled “Life of a Box” was presented at the prestigious Brussels Expo, highlighting a major international project curated by the acclaimed artist, Hesham Malik. Transforming used paper and cardboard packaging into striking works of art, the display challenged conventional artistic mediums while promoting global environmental consciousness.
The installation went beyond standard visual presentations, integrating aesthetic beauty with deep narrative value. Each box featured in the Brussels display carried a unique description inspired directly by profound dialogues and interactions between the artist and prominent individuals around the globe. Through these visual and textual narratives, the exhibition reimagined discarded items as repositories of human connection, memory, and ecological hope.
Art connoisseurs and visitors at the Brussels Expo experienced an inspiring, multi-layered journey that bridged creative expression with environmental advocacy. By elevating ordinary delivery packaging into high art, the exhibition sparked critical conversations on recycling, repurposing, and the endless possibilities of creative reuse.
“Hesham Malik’s beautiful exhibition reimagines recyclable packaging as art. Today, as a result of our continuous packaging reduction efforts, the ‘life of a box’ has truly transformed, and this collaborative presentation beautifully highlights the benefits of reusing and repurposing cardboard and paper to build a more sustainable future,” remarks Thais Blumer, Head of Sustainable Packaging for Amazon Europe.
Captivated by the rich history encountered at the City Gallery of Vysoke Myto
In the exhibition titled “Reminiscence,” Hesham Malik meticulously charts his artistic creations while embarking on a quest to unravel the essence of dark history within his paintings.
The idea behind “Reminiscence” was inspired by the continuous ebb and flow of life, fluctuating between hope and despair. This exhibition explored dark histories and unfulfilled desires. Its central theme reflected the existential notion that true acceptance of life is achieved only after recognizing its fleeting nature and inherent disorder.
“Reminiscence” centered on the universal themes of Loss and suffering. It illustrated how people navigate through it. It raised questions such as: What exists beyond loss? Can pain be transformed into a meaningful experience that enables us to shift difficult circumstances into a more positive outlook? On the other hand, there exists a form of pain that appears insurmountable, such as torture or trauma. Despite these significant obstacles, numerous individuals succeed in leading meaningful lives.
Hesham posits that loss, akin to art, is a deeply personal experience that can exert both physical and psychological effects. Thus, the main aim is to present artistic viewpoints that provoke an immediate emotional response from viewers, engaging their capacity for empathy. Whether through visual components or the stories conveyed within the artwork, this fosters a sense of ambiguity where aesthetic and physical or emotional experiences converge.
The displayed artworks provide a critical perspective on issues such as war, authority, and avarice. By blending human forms with inanimate objects, these pieces are accompanied by vivid narratives. Through meticulous examination, the exhibition addresses the enduring effects of the past on the present, as artist Hesham investigates the emotional repercussions and traumas resulting from human actions.
Crucially, “Reminiscence” not only highlights the narrative of loss and suffering but also that of the Holocaust through the Jewish families of Vysoke Myto, underscoring the profound human cost of genocide through artistic expression and sculptures, offering insight into one of the most tragic episodes in contemporary history.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Max Švabinský’s birth, this contemporary exhibition at the Kroměříž Museum brings together two artistic eras in an open dialogue of color and emotion.
The collection showcases works created by Hesham Malik during lockdown directly inside the museum, as well as pieces painted throughout his stay in Kroměříž. At the heart of the display is a striking tribute portrait of Švabinský, inspired by his own legendary style. Accompanied by narrative descriptions detailing pivotal moments from Švabinský’s life, the exhibition highlights a shared bond between both artists: a deep reverence for nature, meticulous craftsmanship, and a rare ability to capture the passage of time through a vibrant palette.
An integral part of the exhibition features the global educational project, “I’m”. Developed in collaboration with local schools, including the Archbishop’s Gymnasium, this section displays original paintings of historic figures selected by teachers, alongside written contributions from participating students across the Czech Republic and international institutions.