Visual artist, printmaker, and educator influenced by international experience and observation.
Robert Gutowski is a visual artist whose recent body of work reflects the deep imprint left by nearly two decades spent living in Cairo, Egypt. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Gutowski began his artistic journey in 1961 after earning a BS in Art Education and Printmaking from SUNY Buffalo. He later received an MFA in Printmaking from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he continued to develop his practice. Since the 1960s, his life and career have spanned continents, with key chapters in Latin America, Asia, and North Africa. These diverse experiences have shaped both his creative output and his pedagogical approach.
Artistic Approach and Thematic Exploration
Gutowski’s work is driven by direct observation and a disciplined sketching practice that has accompanied him through more than 60 sketchbooks over the years. His prints demonstrate a refined economy of line and movement that reveals a sensitivity to place and human presence. In the exhibition *Bedouin Life in Egypt from Metal Etching Plates*, presented at El Zapote gallery in 2020, Gutowski explored scenes from the Bedouin market in El Arish, a town near the western shore of the Red Sea. His etchings offer glimpses into everyday rituals, such as the preparation of Arabic coffee over charcoal braziers and moments of rest during the Eid feast.
“Having lived in Cairo for almost twenty years, I had the opportunity to visit many sites and participate in local celebrations. Among them was a trip to El Arish, where the market offered a unique atmosphere shaped by people selling handwoven fabrics, beads, jewelry, and spices. In these pieces, I tried to capture the distinctive beauty and social rhythm of that environment, with its transactions, postures, and contrasts.”
Lifelong Commitment to Art and Education
In parallel to his studio work, Gutowski has cultivated a long teaching career across continents, including posts in Brooklyn, Santo Domingo, Bangkok, and Cairo. His time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Latin America and later as an international educator reflects a sustained dedication to cross-cultural exchange through the arts. Whether in the classroom or on the road, Gutowski has carried his sketchbook as a constant companion, preserving impressions of place and people that continue to inform his work today. He currently lives and works in Sun City, Arizona.
“Bedouin Life in Egypt from Metal Etching Plates”
Robert Gutowski’s artworks in metal etching plates are inspired by his experiences in Egypt. Read about the exhibition by clicking on HERE
