THE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM OF ASWAN, EGYPT

“The Zaiim”
A 19 tons, granite sculpture, overseeing the Nile River
Egypt, 2005

“The works that Dutra makes have a strong dramatic effect in spite of a clearly abstract tendency. Some of them resemble the totems derived from Brazilian heritage, others have human traits, but all enjoy distinct symmetry similar to the symmetry in natural formations as well as that of the human body. The assistants, working with him in Aswan on the huge stone piece, were unable to visualize it except as a human form. They named it ZAIIM (THE LEADER) in spite of its being devoid of human features; it appears strong, commanding, and stable in its opinions and knowing what it wants”.

Nabil Shawkat. Cairo , 2007
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THE MAKING OF “The Zaiim”

” I went and returned as soon as possible to complete my sculpture. I had to work every day from 8 am to 8 pm to finish my work.
The sculpture, weigthing 19 tons, now stands on a hilltop overlooking the Nile, in The Open-air Museum in Aswan.”