The first time I encountered a Youssef Nabil photograph a few years back, it was that beautiful picture of “Natcha Atlas Fume le Naguilé (2000)”. I remember how captivating it was, it reminded of all those Egyptian films of the golden age that I grew up watching, particularly those by Samia Gamal and Farid Al-Atrash. I knew then I was in love with the work of Youssef Nabil.
Born in 1972 in Cairo and now based in New York, the Egyptian photographer’s work has spanned over fifteen years. He started assisting with renowned photographers David LaChapelle and Mario Testino before completely setting on his own journey. To commemorate his vision and ideals, publisher Hatje Cantz released Youssef Nabil’s second book, “I Won’t Let You Die (2008) ”, encompassing the beautiful body of work Nabil has created the past decade.
Youssef Nabil’s stunning technique of hand-colouring silver gelatin photographs induces a haunting element of nostalgia; his inspiration comes from the golden-age of Egyptian and Hollywood cinema, while tackling personal subjects such as loneliness, death, dreams and sexuality.
The particular subject matter of this book, as mentioned by Youssef Nabil in the book:
“I have grown up with this idea in my mind that the end of my movie would mea I am dead, thjat I have completed my life. I have lived every day thinking that might be my last, or the last day of someone I love. I prayed to god that I will be the first one to leave so I don’t see anyone I love dying. That was my way of keeping everyone in my movie alive. I won’t let you die before me.”- Youssef Nabil
“I Won’t Let You Die” features photographs by legendary actors, actresses from Egyptian cinema, singers, artists and friends of the artist, such as Omar Sharif, Faten Hamama, Shirin Neshat, Fifi Abdou, Tracey Emin, Rossy de Palma, David Lynch, Sting, Naguib Mahfouz, Natacha Atlas, Mona Hatoum, Zaha Hadid, Louise Bourgeois and many more. Also, the book features conversation between Youssef Nabil and Shirin Neshat, Ghada Amer and Faten Hamama.
The astounding work of Youssef Nabil has been exhibited in various cities around the world, from New York, Cairo, Paris and Berlin, to Mexico, Dubai, Los Angeles and London.
I must say that I love this book, as nostalgic and personal its content is to the artist, it does hold a very special place in my heart and mind.
