Hussein Amin Bikar

Egyptian, b. 1913

Hussein Amin Bikar, born on January 2, 1913, in Alexandria, Egypt, was a pioneering Egyptian artist known for his portraiture and contributions to children's illustration.

He studied at the High School of Arts and later at the hands of notable Egyptian professors. After a teaching stint in Tetouan, Morocco, where he taught drawing and developed simple, expressive illustrations for children, Bikar went on to head the photography department at Dar Al Ma'arif. His work, including book covers and illustrations for textbooks, made him a significant figure in Egyptian art.

Bikar's style was simple, clear, and emotionally connected to his subjects, especially in

portraiture. He believed portraiture was about capturing the essence of a person, not just their appearance. His most famous works include illustrations for "Sinbad" magazine and travel literature. Bikar also worked on the preservation of Nubian monuments by creating 80 paintings depicting ancient Egypt. He was influential in shaping the art of portraiture and was known for his ability to communicate through color, line, and form.