Van Leo (Egypt, 1921-2002)
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Van-Leo’s camera zoomed in on mid-20th century Cairo – a period marked by sophistication, glamour and celluloid dreams on which the photographer thrived. Through his black-and-white photographs, Van-Leo worked to iconise his subjects and evoked a drama that more often than not resulted in copious self-portraits of the photographer, posed in numerous guises. From intellectuals and celebrities to laymen and more – all flocked to be immortalised by one of the Middle East’s great art photographers.
Dont miss his collection visible at Rencontres d’Arles Photographie
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| Self portrait of Van Leo |
Born in Turkey to Armenian parents, Levon Boyadjian arrived in Egypt in 1924, the year the family settled in Zagazig. In 1927 the Boyadjian family moved to Cairo, where Van Leo was to make a name for himself that enabled him to live from his art for over 57 years and be recognised all over the city as the master of the photographic portrait. He died in 2002, having closed down his studio and donated most of his collection to the American University in Cairo, and to the Fondation Arabe de l'Image (Beirut). In 2000 he was awarded the Prince Claus Prize for his career.
.jpg)
Van-Leo’s camera zoomed in on mid-20th century Cairo – a period marked by sophistication, glamour and celluloid dreams on which the photographer thrived. Through his black-and-white photographs, Van-Leo worked to iconise his subjects and evoked a drama that more often than not resulted in copious self-portraits of the photographer, posed in numerous guises. From intellectuals and celebrities to laymen and more – all flocked to be immortalised by one of the Middle East’s great art photographers.
Dont miss his collection visible at Rencontres d’Arles Photographie
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