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Sleep in my arms' Foreword by Tracey Emin I came across Youssef's work in Egypt, Cairo about 7 years ago. I was in Egypt to accept a prize from the Cairo Biennale and whilst I was there decided to look around some galleries. After going down lots of little alleyways I finally arrived in what I can only describe as a mechanics area. A place full of garages, rust and old bits of car. I found Youssef's work at the Townhouse Gallery. I was quite taken aback. The photos were very beautiful, evocative and in the most old fashioned kind of way very camp. A hand-tinted ghostliness that I found very attractive. Youssef seemed to be dealing with very personal subject matter and very open. Later I met him on a boat, sailing down the Nile. We both talked about how we had made work with our mothers in and about the notions and ideas about leaving home. Not in a literal sense but in a metaphysical sense and understanding that we are just our true selves and not necessarily a constant attachment to another. This is what I liked about Youssef's work, whether he is starring in the photo or taking the photo, from all angles he stands alone. Youssef sees the world in a truly singular way and I find that very beautiful. Tracey Emin
print version
London, April 2007
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