Amir Youssef
APOLÉON - Film - 14min - 2023
présenté dans le cadre de l'exposition Panorama 25
Film
The film's narrative encompasses the deteriorating diorama of Napoleon and the Sphinx.
A group of figurines from the Military Museum of Paris join Napoleon on his expedition to Egypt. As the figurines embark on their journey, they discover the broken nose of the Sphinx, leading to a surreal interaction between Napoleon and the monument. By blending past and present, the film explores political issues related to militarism and colonisation, and challenges traditional historical narratives.
Amir Youssef
Born in Egypt, 1992. Lives and works in Alexandria. His artistic approach focuses on robotics and media archaeology. He explores many facets of movement and narratives while working with a range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, and film.
He has always taken a great interest in creating moving objects that change the appearance and use of toys. He sees a lot of his present work as an outgrowth of this desire to know how things actually work so that he can change their function and significance.
He has been able to explore this process with a variety of materials and concepts. While working with American artist Theaster Gates in 2012 on his Huguenot House project for documenta 13, where Gates fully rebuilt a run-down house with the aid of artists and musicians, he acquired a better understanding of the value and worth of locally available materials. It became a centerpiece for local avnd visiting artist, curators, and documenta visitor communities, a component of the exhibition scene and of the show. He also worked as an art director for Wael Shawky's film Al Araba Al Madfuna II (2013).
