Essam El-Saadany
About The Artist
Essam ElSaadany is a Cairo-based Egyptian artist and illustrator. Born in 1994, he studied architecture and participated in Cairo Comix as an individual artist. His work was selected for the Mahmoud Kahil Awards in 2022 in the category of graphic illustration.
For his self-published magazine Dead Poets Society, he enjoys pushing himself and experimenting with numerous approaches in order to bring his thoughts to reality. His motivation stems from life’s hardships and internal conflicts. He works as a brand designer and has worked on various animation projects as an illustrator.
Question
How did you get started with creating art?
I began making art because I adore Egyptian comic books, both new and old. I was inspired by the colours and the artistic way in which they tell stories through images, and I initially believed that these artists were magicians.
As a result, I tried to copy their drawings and make my own because, why not, they are also people just like me.
Question
How would you describe your artistic style? Has it changed?
It is highly personal, and I can say that I am turning words, feelings, and thoughts into lines, so everyone would interpret them differently.
The core element remains the same, but I’m still exploring and making an effort to push myself.
Question
Where do you usually find inspiration for your works?
My biggest sources of inspiration for sharing my point of view in life are my struggles in life, as well as my questions about why I am here and what I am doing with my existence. I try to express what I am thinking and feeling through my illustrations.
Question
What do you hope your audience will get from your work?
Each has his/her own experiences and perspectives, therefore I do not intend to explain my art or my concepts to anyone. Instead, I want my audience to see and comprehend for themselves. I provide them with a doorway into another aspect of life so they might consider it.