Ancient Egypt and the Modern Line graphic

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at Cal State San Bernardino will open a new exhibition, “Ancient Egypt and the Modern Line,” on Nov. 8 as part of the museum’s month-long Art Burst pop-up series. Curated by RAFFMA Exhibition Designer Gus Castaneda, the show will be on view through Dec. 13 at the RAFFMA galleries. It will be free and open to the public.

The exhibition traces a creative thread spanning more than 4,000 years — from the tomb of Tutankhamun to today’s contemporary art studios — revealing how the visual language of ancient Egypt continues to inspire modern artistic expression. It examines how pyramids, hieroglyphs and the distinctive forms of Egyptian art have influenced generations of artists. Central to its narrative is the transformative impact of the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, which ignited a wave of “Egyptomania” that rippled through Art Deco, Surrealism and continues to resonate in today’s design and visual culture.

“This exhibition invites viewers to consider not just the visual parallels, but also the deeper philosophical dialogues between antiquity and the present,” said Castaneda. “We’re exploring how ancient forms continue to shape modern sensibilities and artistic expression, creating a bridge between RAFFMA’s ancient treasures and the evolving visions of contemporary art.”

Castaneda, who designed and curated the exhibition, draws on his background in design and architecture to frame this dialogue between past and present. His curatorial approach pairs selected contemporary artworks with pieces from RAFFMA’s renowned collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, illuminating shared themes of form, symmetry and symbolism.

“My fascination with the monumental forms, sacred geometry and symbolism of ancient Egyptian design found lasting resonance in the Art Deco movement,” Castaneda said. “Art Deco’s sleek lines, symmetry and ornamental motifs echo the timeless grandeur of Egyptian aesthetics — and it’s this visual and conceptual bridge that inspired the narrative of this exhibition.”

Beyond its artistic exploration, “Ancient Egypt and the Modern Line” also serves as an educational resource for students and educators. Through its connections between ancient history and modern artistic practice, the exhibition supports immersive learning experiences and curriculum-aligned programming that encourage critical thinking about art, culture and innovation across disciplines.

About RAFFMA

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), located at Cal State San Bernardino, is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Its collections include ancient Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art, and the museum hosts 10-12 temporary exhibitions each year.

RAFFMA also provides CSUSB students with valuable opportunities for hands-on experience in curation, exhibition design and museum operations — preparing them for careers in the arts and cultural fields. The museum welcomes the public to explore its galleries, attend events, and even host corporate and community gatherings in its unique space.

General admission to RAFFMA is free, with a suggested donation of $3. Parking on campus is $10 per vehicle.

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Every second Saturday of each month)
Sunday: Closed