Hashim Nasr (Instagram), a photographer born and raised in Khartoum, Sudan and now based in Egypt, is known for his conceptual and experimental artwork. His signature style incorporates flowers, fabrics, and vibrant colours, delving into the narratives behind his observations and ideas. For Nasr, photography is more than just a creative outlet—it’s an escape from the stress and monotony of daily life, a source of joy, and a means of self-worth. His art grapples with themes of identity and ageing, questioning his self-worth and an uncertain future amidst years of political and economic turmoil. Driven by an unrelenting passion to tell new stories, Hashim Nasr crafts compelling images using merely his mobile phone, turning everyday moments into powerful visual tales.
What first inspired you to pick up a camera, and how did your journey as a photographer begin?
I never had a lens-based camera until last January when I purchased a Canon M50 Mark II camera. Most of my past artworks were shot with my phone camera. It has been on and off since 2012, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has started to become more frequent as I became more consistent in documenting my emotions back then, using my hands as an object of expression.
How has growing up and living in Khartoum shaped your perspective on life and art?
Societal restrictions in Sudan and throughout the Middle East significantly influence my artistic and personal concepts. Most of my work aims to break stereotypes and enrich the public imagination by creating surreal images
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the final photographic artwork?
Surrealism and crafting always inspire me to create new photographs, starting from sketching and drawing the initial ideas in my notes, then creating what can be crafted and then planning the location for the photoshoot and coordinating with the models for the photoshoot day.
What significance does the colour blue hold in your work, and what led you to choose it as a prominent feature in your photography?
I call blue the colour of my dreams because it has been my favourite colour since I was a child. I feel it represents my personality as it signifies solitude, spirituality, and serenity.
In many of your photographs, the subject’s faces are covered. Is there a reason behind this choice, and if so, why?
It started as all my models were friends and family members and they had no background in modelling, so most of them weren’t OK with the idea of showing off their faces. So I came up with the idea of covering the face without changing the main idea of the photograph, in many cases it enhances the context even more.
How do identity and ageing evolve in your art, particularly given Sudan’s current challenges?
It has really influenced my perspective of my artistic expression, I go back and forth on how I want to convey and reflect those challenges [through my work].
If you could capture a photo anywhere in the world, with no limitations, where would it be and why?
There is a special place in Khartoum, in Omdurman next to Halfayah Bridge; I have many memories there, where I started developing my series A Leap Into A Dream. If I could get back to Khartoum I would do anything to get back there.
If there is another option, I would wish to visit Socotra Island, the dreamy and surreal landscapes there are magnificent and fit perfectly into the theme of surrealism that I am always passionate about.
For more stories of culture from across the MENA region, like this interview with Hashim Nasr, visit our dedicated archives.
