Ahmad Mansour: Capturing the Beauty of Everyday Egypt
We first discovered Ahmad’s work through Middle East Archive, a publishing platform dedicated to rediscovering and celebrating the visual narratives of the Middle East. With a sharp curatorial eye, Middle East Archive focuses on everyday moments and interactions that capture the authentic, lived experiences of the region, showcasing them through candid, unfiltered photography. Their fifth photography book highlights the rich tapestry of design, culture, and identity found in the living rooms and domestic spaces of the Middle East and North Africa. From intricate textiles and low seating arrangements to gold accents and elaborate décor, these rooms reflect the pride and character of the families who inhabit them. It was in this context that I encountered Ahmad Mansour’s work, and we immediately knew we had to reach out. Before long, one of his photographs became the cover of our 16th issue, aptly titled "Resilience”.
We The Cool: Tell us about yourself. Who is Ahmad Mansour?
Ahmad Mansour: I am Ahmad Mansour, an Egyptian documentary and street photographer. I am passionate about capturing hidden beauty in the streets, documenting unseen stories, and shedding light on human issues, especially those related to women and children in Egypt. Photography is not just a profession to me but a way to understand the world and share it with others.
WTC: Your journey as a photographer has been remarkable! Can you tell us about the moment or experience that made you fall in love with photography?
AM: I first fell in love with photography because of my grandmother. I was taking a simple photo of her as a keepsake, but I captured it from a unique angle, making it look different. From that moment, I realized that photography opens up new perspectives and ways of seeing ordinary moments in a different light.
WTC: Coming from rural Egypt, how has your upbringing influenced the way you see the world and capture it through your lens?
AM: Growing up in a rural environment made me more aware of the beauty in simple, everyday details. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the social and economic struggles people face. This is reflected in my photos, which always strive to be honest and spontaneous, revealing the essence of the people and places I capture.
WTC: What do you aim to convey through your photography?
AM: I aim to highlight humanity in both its ordinary and extraordinary moments. Through my photos, I want to share the stories of people whose voices are often unheard in mainstream media. I always appreciate images that leave the viewer with questions, thoughts, or emotional engagement rather than just being a passive visual experience.
WTC: What are some of the unique challenges you face as an Egyptian photographer in the global context?
AM: One of the biggest challenges is presenting Egyptian stories in a way that preserves their authenticity without being interpreted through stereotypical global lenses. Additionally, legal and societal restrictions in Egypt make street photography more difficult, especially when documenting sensitive issues.
WTC: With the current social and political challenges in Egypt, do you think there has been a shift in your art or how you practice photography?
AM: Absolutely. These challenges have influenced my choice of subjects and how I present them. I now lean more toward symbolism and subtlety rather than direct representation, seeking new creative and safe ways to tell stories.
WTC: What is the most powerful story you have captured in Egypt in recent years, and why did it stand out to you
AM: One of the most impactful stories for me was about a woman named Umm Mohammed, who decided to pursue her dream of singing after turning fifty, despite all the social and familial challenges. Her story deeply inspired me because it represents determination and the desire to break the societal constraints imposed on women.
WTC: Do you believe the portrayal of Egypt and its people in the media accurately reflects your experiences and those of others?
AM: I feel that the daily lives of working-class people are fairly underrepresented. Egypt is often depicted either through an exotic, touristic lens or through images of crises, without focusing on the everyday details and personal stories that truly reflect the spirit of society.
WTC: We greatly admire your work on the "Living Rooms" project with the Middle East Archive. Can you tell us more about this project and the collaboration?
AM: "Living Rooms" was an exciting and exploratory project where I documented private living spaces and how they reflect the personalities and identities of their inhabitants. The goal was to offer an intimate and unexpected look at life in the Middle East, beyond the usual stereotypes.
WTC: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you are excited about? What direction do you see your work taking in the coming years?
AM: I am currently working on a long-term photo story focused on a specific social group. I hope it turns out as I envision and becomes an inspiring project that resonates with people.
WTC: The next issue focuses on "resilience," which we see reflected in the powerful stories you capture through your lens. When you think of the word "resilience," is there a particular photo or story you’ve captured that comes to mind?
AM: I immediately think of a photo of my grandmother. She endured so many hardships in her life, yet she always smiled despite everything.
WTC: How does resilience manifest in the daily lives of Egyptians, especially in the face of social challenges?
AM: For ordinary people, every day is an act of resilience. Despite poverty and limited resources, I often see them enjoying life and finding happiness in simple things. It’s truly inspiring how they manage to smile and move forward despite their struggles.
WTC: Do you have any advice for aspiring young photographers in the Middle East?
AM: My advice is to develop their own voice and not merely imitate Western styles because they believe those are more globally accepted. Photography is a storytelling tool, so they should seek stories that personally matter to them and keep shooting, even during moments of doubt or frustration.