Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, known as Vhils, has recently unveiled a new installation titled “Doors of Cairo” against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza. This site-specific work features a collection of Vhils’ signature etched portraits on weathered doors. The faces depicted on these doors seem to emerge from the ancient structures, creating a striking contrast between the ephemeral nature of the installation and the enduring presence of the pyramids.
Vhils’ installation is part of the fifth edition of the “Forever Is Now” project, curated by Art D’Égypte with the support of UNESCO. As the first Portuguese artist to participate in the project, Vhils brings a unique perspective to the historic site by incorporating repurposed doors sourced from demolition sites and renovation projects in both Portugal and Egypt. Each door carries the marks of its previous use, adding another layer of history to the artwork.
The portraits on the doors do not depict specific individuals but serve as symbols of past and present communities. According to Vhils, a single face can represent a person, a community, a generation, or a shared emotional landscape. This concept highlights the interconnectedness of people and places, the way memory becomes embedded in objects, and how identity is shaped by invisible layers of history.
After months of carving in his studio, Vhils spent three days on-site shaping and arranging the doors to create a dialogue between the temporary nature of the installation and the timeless quality of the pyramids. The installation is a reminder of the human impulse to build, remember, and leave a trace, even in the face of impermanence.
“Doors of Cairo” will be on display until December 7, offering viewers a unique opportunity to experience Vhils’ thought-provoking artwork in a historic setting. For more updates from the artist, you can follow Vhils on Instagram.
