It all started three years ago when Ibrahim Belal saw a video by a Taiwanese artist carving a tiny figure.
The 30-year-old law graduate now makes eye-catching works out of pencils. Micro-art proved more interesting than misdemeanours. And when we say ‘micro-art’, start hunting for your glasses. Belal creates his miniscule miracles with the help of microscope.
Micro-art is not new, but has recently grown popular worldwide. There are even special museums for micro art abroad.
“I got excited to try to make a piece. It took me twenty attempts to make a heart shape,” he The Egyptian Gazette.
“After I mastered the skill I decided to work onideas that can attract people and stay long on their memory,” he said.
Belal’s works that pay tribute to ancient Egyptian kings and queens have been winning hearts on social media.
“I use my art to cherish our great old civilsation, the pharoanic pieces are the most difficult as theytake more hours than other pieces as they are full of detail,” Belal said.
For self-taught artist Belal, the videos he watched for micro-art were more motivational than instructional.
“Micro artists don’t usually learn techniques from videos as the films are very quick and short, though I knew how to use the tools and refine my technique.”
Many have asked Belal to hold workshops to teach them this art, but he believes that it needs someone who is very patient and has strong nerves to master this art.
Belal has made so far 50 pieces, of which twenty were displayed at the Islamic Art Museum for its centenary.
One piece can take twenty hours to make, but Islamic, pharaonic, and customised designs take longer, he said.
“Many have asked me to put my work inexhibitions, but I always refuse because I believe that micro-art pieces should be displayed in exhibitions specialised in micro-art.”
Belal displays his work on his Facebook page.
“I sell very few because I want to keep many pieces to hold my own exhibition,” Belal said.
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