IN CROSSING the Mediterranean Gilbert Cosset brings a fresh vision to play on familiar Egyptian scenes, writes Georges Bahgory. And the line that emerges, inspired by ancient Egyptian art, its simplifications and reductions, is uniquely suited to the sympathetic portrayal of Egyptian life.

Gilbert Cosset observes the modern scene while taking ancient Egyptian styles as inspiration. He captures the amazement in the eyes of children, at the coffeeshop, in the alleyway, at the market. He paints mothers carrying children and other images of motherhood in traditional quarters, and will draw on a matchbox or a place mat so as not to lose the opportunity of capturing the fleeting moments of life around him.

Cosset combines a taste of the old with the new. Sometimes he leaves a face without features and then returns to draw a single line to indicate a nose, or an eye.

Gilbert Cosset is showing at Mashrabia Gallery until 10 December. For full details see Listings