Egyptian TV host apologises after falsely claiming ownership of European art

Egyptian TV presenter and designer Maha Al-Sagheer has publicly apologised after claiming ownership of artworks by four European artists.

Last month, Al-Sagheer showcased several paintings on a large screen under her signature, sparking backlash from the original artists and social media users.

Danish artist Lisa Lach-Nielsen took to Instagram to condemn the presenter for using her 2019 work, Made Myself Some Wings, alongside pieces by three other painters.

Lach-Nielsen wrote: "Copying other people’s work is one thing, but taking a photo of the actual painting that someone else made, and taking public ownership of it … that's new to me."

She added: "It is not only a violation of the law but also the person who put their soul and time into the work. Living as an artist is not always easy, and we need the internet to show our work … no one should take advantage of that."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lisa Lach-Nielsen art (@lisa.lachnielsen)

During a recent appearance on the ON channel’s talk show hosted by Mona El-Shazly, Maha apologised to the audience, admitting the gaffe. "We respect true artists and value their original creations in all fields," she said.

Finnish artist Caroline Wendelin also spoke out, condemning the unauthorised use of her painting Becoming the Garden. She wrote: "I’m not rich. I’m not famous. I work until I’m exhausted, all while raising 3 small children and pouring my whole heart into my art. Hoping that one day it might give us a chance to buy our first home."

Wendelin added: "So imagine what it feels like to see a wealthy influencer steal my art, claim it as her own, and present it on national TV as if it came from her hands."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Caroline Wendelin (@carowendelinart)

Dubai-based French artist Seaty also identified three of his works, Dwarka, Kigali, and Bushido, among the pieces displayed on the show.

He wrote: "Worse still, in the broadcast segment, my former studio is clearly visible, along with the canvases bearing my signature, and even the original photo available on my Instagram page."

Responding to the uproar, Al-Sagheer posted an apology on Facebook, admitting her "big mistake towards the Danish artist Lisa, towards artists and more importantly towards myself".

She added: "I have been passing through hardship during this period of my life. It has been a very tough time. However, it doesn’t give me the right to do what I have done. I’m deeply sorry and very upset due to what I have done."