Photo of the Week: Farida Mahdy

In Dokki, Cairo, Egyptian photographer and visual artist Farida Mahdy returned to a familiar living room for a photograph that would mark the beginning of a long-term series with her grandmother, Ehsan. Taken in 2024, the portrait brings together their shared history and Ehsan’s love of fashion, with the two dressed in pieces from her wardrobe.

Mahdy’s work spans photography, visual art and curation, often bringing a personal perspective to the stories she captures. A graduate of Applied Arts, she has previously served as head of exhibitions, and her photography has been featured in The Guardian as the first Egyptian in their 'Women Behind the Lens' series, Vogue Italia and LensCulture. She has also participated in local exhibitions since 2021.

What’s the story behind this image? Where and when was it taken?

This image was taken as part of a long-term series of self-portraits with my grandmother, Ehsan. It was taken in 2024 in her home in Dokki.

Why did you choose this particular image?

I chose this picture because it was the first photo we took together. The series is a tribute to her old love for fashion. She is wearing her old fur coat, and I am wearing her engagement dress from the late 1960s.

We took the photo in her living room, specifically on the sofa where we used to have long conversations and spend the day together watching TV or doing whatever. I lived with her for a while during my college years, so that sofa holds a lot of memories for me.