In the bustling summer of 2023, a seemingly ordinary encounter within the hallowed halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art sparked an extraordinary chain of events. Armia Khalil, a security guard, engaged with a visitor seeking a specific painting, Henry Ossawa Tanner’s “Flight Into Egypt.” This seemingly mundane interaction was anything but ordinary. The visitor, Akili Tommasino, was a Met curator developing an exhibition centered around ancient Egypt, a subject close to Mr. Khalil’s heart, given his Egyptian heritage and profound appreciation for its art. But the connection went deeper. Mr. Khalil was not just a security guard; he was a sculptor deeply influenced by the ancient artistry of his homeland. This brief encounter, lasting mere minutes, proved to be a pivotal moment, dramatically altering the trajectory of Mr. Khalil’s life and career.
Mr. Khalil’s journey to this serendipitous meeting began in the small Egyptian village of Qulusna, a world away from the vibrant energy of New York City. His artistic inclinations surfaced early, sculpted from the clay banks of the Nile River and fueled by his older brother’s artistic prowess. Despite financial constraints, Mr. Khalil’s artistic passion burned brightly, nurtured by the support of a cousin who recognized his talent. He pursued his artistic dream at a fine arts university in Minya, immersing himself in Egyptian history, ancient art, and the captivating beauty of the Renaissance. He honed his skills carving religious figures, supporting himself and his family, and discovering a love for the demanding precision of woodworking. The dream of America, however, remained elusive, initially thwarted by visa rejections. He continued to practice his art in Cairo, replicating ancient Egyptian sculptures and meticulously studying the artifacts in the Egyptian Museum, immersing himself in the techniques of the ancient masters.
A sudden twist of fate arrived in the form of an unexpected visa approval, secured by his younger sister. In 2006, at the age of 25, Mr. Khalil landed in New York City with a modest sum, two suitcases filled with woodworking tools, and a heart full of dreams. The initial months were challenging, marked by financial struggles, homesickness, and the harsh realities of adapting to a new life. However, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art reignited his artistic spirit. He was awestruck by the masterpieces he encountered, particularly the Egyptian collection which evoked a sense of home. This renewed inspiration fueled his determination to find his place in the art world, despite facing setbacks and the economic downturn.
Persistence eventually paid off. In 2012, coinciding with his newly acquired U.S. citizenship, Mr. Khalil received the call that would change his life: a job offer from the Met as a security guard. It was a dream fulfilled, a chance to be close to the art he loved, and his first post was fittingly in the Egyptian Wing. Years later, his path would cross with Mr. Tommasino, setting the stage for his unexpected debut as an exhibiting artist.
When Mr. Tommasino, seeking anonymity, encountered Mr. Khalil in the gallery, he was unaware of the artistic talent hidden behind the security guard’s uniform. Mr. Khalil’s genuine curiosity about the painting and his revelation of his own artistic pursuits piqued Mr. Tommasino’s interest. A glimpse of Mr. Khalil’s Instagram account revealed his remarkable sculptures, including a life-size wooden King Tut and a full-scale replica of an ancient Egyptian coffin. Mr. Tommasino immediately recognized Mr. Khalil’s talent and the serendipitous connection to his planned exhibition, which sought to showcase contemporary Black artists inspired by ancient Egypt. An invitation to participate in the exhibit was extended on the spot, a turning point in Mr. Khalil’s artistic journey.
Mr. Khalil embraced the opportunity, envisioning a sculpture crafted from a piece of a tree stump found near his studio in Bayonne, New Jersey. Balancing his day job as a security guard with his artistic passion, he meticulously carved the wood, transforming it into a serene bust of a female figure adorned with a scarab beetle, a symbol of hope in ancient Egyptian culture. The sculpture, titled “Hope – I Am a Morning Scarab,” represents the resilience and unwavering hope observed in the scarab beetle’s daily cycle of life. The finished piece was carefully transported to the Met, marking a momentous occasion for Mr. Khalil. He bid farewell to his creation with a tender kiss, acknowledging that once inside the museum’s hallowed halls, it would be beyond his touch.
The exhibition, “Flight Into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876-Now,” opened to critical acclaim, featuring renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kara Walker. Mr. Khalil’s sculpture, the most recent piece in the exhibition, found its place in a gallery dedicated to the perspectives of modern Egyptians. Its presence solidified the exhibition’s theme, demonstrating the enduring influence of ancient Egypt on contemporary art. Mr. Khalil’s inclusion not only validated his artistic talent but also highlighted the unexpected places where artistic inspiration can be found. The chance encounter became a testament to the power of serendipity and open-mindedness, proving that art can emerge from unexpected sources, enriching the cultural landscape in profound ways. Mr. Khalil’s journey from a small Egyptian village to the hallowed halls of the Met is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, passion, and a little bit of luck.
