In Luxor, I recently sat down with Yousra Hafad, a painter whose canvases seem to transport women into other worlds. Her work blends cultural roots, emotion, and symbolism in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
Who is Yousra Hafad?
“I come from a multicultural background: an Egyptian father and a Moroccan mother. I was born in Libya and later studied at the College of Art Education. The mix of cultures shaped who I am today.”
Art has always been part of her life. “My mother says I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pen. I loved everything artistic: music, acting, cinema, and, of course, drawing.”
Why paint women only?
Most of Yousra’s canvases focus exclusively on women. “Men can excel as fashion designers or makeup artists, but the inner world is ours, as women. In my work, I express women’s feelings: emotions that may be seen from the outside, but only women truly live from within.”
The inspiration behind the paintings
Each of her works carries its own world:
Prayer (2017): This painting was shown in The Third Bank exhibition in Cairo.
“It’s not prayer as ritual, but the state of mind that comes when you disconnect from the world and feel that God has heard and understood you.”
The Letter (2018): This painting is inspired by her memories of handwritten letters. “Letters can’t be edited like WhatsApp messages. You have to wait for them, you wonder if they’ve been read yet, and that anticipation creates feelings the new generation doesn’t know.”
Another Land (2019): A paper boat in blue and white.
“You don’t always need to travel physically to another place.
You can travel in your mind towards serenity and peace.”
Stillness of the Night (2019): Inspired by Gibran Khalil Gibran’s poem, sung by Fairuz. “If that song were a woman, what would she look like? I painted her with a dark blue coat whose stars resemble the ones in Ancient Egyptian temples. For me, the night is not frightening. It’s a time of stillness, dreams, and reflection. ”
Inspirations
As a young artist, Yousra discovered Bicar through books and magazines long before the internet. “Finding his work felt like finding a treasure.”
She also draws from Abdelaal Hassan, known for his vibrant depictions of Egyptian women, and from music. “Fairuz is my favourite. Her songs take you to another world.”
In literature, she turns to Dr Mustafa Mahmoud. “His short, profound sentences go straight to the heart.
Advice to aspiring artists
“Do what you love, even if it goes against the tide. Be committed, be intelligent in your work, and never give up, even when others discourage you. Stick to your dream, and the rewards will come.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
FIND OUT MORE
Instagram: @yousra.hafad
Podcast episode available on Spotify, Anghami, Apple Podcasts.
All pictures © Yousra Hafad