Nabil's studied French literature at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Enthralled by the elegance and charm of early Egyptian cinema, as well as the hand-colored family portraits ubiquitous in Cairo's living rooms, he sought inspiration from the renowned Egyptian-Armenian photographer, Van Leo. Celebrated for his glamorous studio portraits capturing the allure of iconic Egyptian actresses from the 1940s and 50s, Van Leo became a significant influence on Nabil's artistic vision.

Nabil's portfolio showcases portraits of renowned figures, ranging from the iconic belly dancer Fifi Abdou to talented artists like Ghada Amer, singer Natacha Atlas, and actress Youssra. Delving into the fleeting nature of existence, Nabil infuses his art with motifs of transience, especially evident in his introspective self-portraits.

In 2003, Nabil's received the Seydou Keita Prize for portraiture at the Biennial of African Photography. These images, captured across the globe, serve as metaphors for his sense of displacement and yearning for a lost homeland, depicted in idealized memories rendered in silver print. Today Youssef Nabil lives and works in New York City.

This is a short biography. The full version, along with research, CV and sources will be posted soon. Stay tuned and visit us often or become a member to be notified of our updates.