For many people, Ancient Egypt is the land of pharaohs, mighty kings and a majestic unmatched civilization. But for me, it is the land of healers, both kings and laymen.

My name is Dina  Shalaby and Malakoot is my art & storytelling project inspired by Ancient Egypt.

The story of Ancient Egypt is one that I seek rather than one that I tell. I like to think of it as a long trail, and every time I make a step, it unfolds even more. And the more I walk its walk, the more peace I find and heal.

I follow its traces in its art and scripture. Sometimes my encounters with ancient Egypt are a vigorous handshake and some other times they are as subtle as a breeze, yet every time they are transformative. Often times I am their mirror, some other times I am their voice but every time they are my oracle.

I hope these feelings make their way to the eyes and hands that meet my art pieces. I hope every time they look at them, their spirit feels lighter, deeper, happier. I hope it gives them a moment of respite, connects them to the deeper meanings they are seeking, and evokes a space of peace they long for.

I also hope it gives them a spark, an insight, an inspiration, a story that can be part of their reference points as they move through their journey. I hope it delights them, stops time for a moment, immerses them in a sweet stillness full of life and love. Like the uni-verse that binds us all together, like a deep breath of very fresh air, like a breeze that stays.

Love matters. History matters. Knowledge matters. Wisdom matters. Beauty matters. Try to touch them all. I’m trying too, through my art.

Welcome to my Malakoot..