Blue and White Calligraphic Forms, 1972

Ismail Taha Negm (1937–2005) was an Egyptian artist renowned for his contributions to the field of decorative arts. Born in Cairo, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Decoration from the Faculty of Fine Arts in 1958. Furthering his education, Negm obtained a postgraduate diploma from the Academy of Budapest in Hungary, a Master's degree in Decoration from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria in 1971, and a Doctorate in Fine Arts from Rome in 1974. ([fineart.gov.eg](https://www.fineart.gov.eg/arb/cv/cv.asp?IDS=679&utm_source=openai))

Throughout his career, Negm held various academic positions at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria, including roles as a lecturer, assistant professor, and eventually head of the Decoration Department. He was elected dean of the faculty for three consecutive terms starting in 1984. Negm's artistic practice encompassed a range of mediums, with a particular focus on watercolor paintings that often depicted abstract representations of women. His work was characterized by a blend of Arabic and Berber influences, as seen in pieces like "Abstract Woman" (1993), which was signed and dated in both scripts. ([olympiaauctions.com](https://www.olympiaauctions.com/auction/lot/28-ismail-taha-negm-egyptian-b1937/?lot=2370&sd=1&utm_source=openai))

Negm's art gained recognition in the market, with his works being offered at auction multiple times. Prices realized ranged from $850 to $1,214, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. His highest auction record was achieved in 2023 for the piece "Liaison" (1974), which sold for $1,214 at Olympia Auctions. ([mutualart.com](https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Ismail-Taha-Negm/FDEFD36A139CF022/?utm_source=openai))