{{Short description|Egyptian photographer (1956–2023)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox artist | name = Sherif Sonbol | image = Sherif Sonbol.jpg | caption = | birth_name = Sherif Sonbol | birth_date = {{Birth date|1956|12|6|df=y}} | birth_place = Giza, Egypt | death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|12|24|1956|12|6|df=y}} | death_place = | field = Photography | training = Autodidact | works = | patrons = | influenced by = | influenced = | awards = | signature = }}
'''Sherif Sonbol''' (6 December 1956 – 24 December 2023) was an Egyptian photographer specialising in architecture, scenic fine arts, and photojournalism.
==Early life== Sherif Sonbol was born in Giza, Cairo, Egypt on 6 December 1956.
Sonbol studied insurance at Cairo University and attended the Chartered Insurance Institute in London. He worked for the Egyptian Reinsurance Company as a marine underwriter. Around 1988 Sonbol decided to pursue one of his passions -photography- and tried his luck at Al-Ahram, where he soon started working as a freelancer.<ref name="AlAhram 2003">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/660/cu6.htm Al-Ahram Weekly October 2003] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108234804/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/660/cu6.htm |date=8 January 2009 }}, interview following a five-week exhibition of his work at the Lincoln Center in New York.</ref>
==Career== It only took a few months for him to become a full-time photographer at Al-Ahram under the auspices of Antoun Albert.<ref name="AntounAlbert">[http://www.cultnat.org/Programs/folklore/Publications/Documents/130/nuba.htm Cultnat on Antoun Albert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724161854/http://www.cultnat.org/Programs/folklore/Publications/Documents/130/nuba.htm |date=24 July 2011 }}, small profile featured in the book "Nubia through two Eras".</ref>
Although achieving professional goals and popularity at Al-Ahram, at a certain point Sonbol saw the need of leaving the newspaper in order to be recruited by the American Embassy's as official photographer. This position did not occur but still the American Embassy employed him in its computer department as graphic designer and computer trainer for newcomers,<ref name="EmbassyJob">At that time (early-mid '80s) the use of computers and word processors was not as widespread as it is nowadays.</ref>
Sonbol managed to combine these roles with his work in the New Cairo Opera House, where he had been taking pictures since it opened its doors in 1988. Eventually Sonbol resigned his place at the American Embassy and returned to Al-Ahram; this time to the Al-Ahram Weekly.<ref name="AlAhram 2003" />
Sonbol stayed six years as main photographer of Kalam-El-Nass. In his last year there, the Maraya-El-Nass magazine project<ref name="Maraya">An unsuccessful advertisement strategy resulted in Maraya-El-Nass having to close its doors a few years later.</ref> saw the light. This was an interior design magazine belonging to the same group as Kalam-El-Nass. The project's key artistic responsibilities were to be writer Moguib Rushdi and himself, so he was fully transferred to the new magazine. Here too he managed to "shake the foundations of Egyptian interior photography with his use of natural light".<ref name ="Editors">Afaaf Abu Zaahr & Ghada Abu Zahr, editors of "Mirrors" and Kalam-El-Nass magazines</ref>
Later in life, Sonbol managed to combine his responsibilities as chief photographer in Al-Ahram Weekly <ref name ="Chief">Besides his regular photojournalism assignments, he is in charge of the main photograph of the ''Pack of Cards'' section of the newspaper (usually providing the image or selecting other relevant photographs) and also occasionally contributing with articles.</ref><ref name="NubianWedding">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/983/fe3.htm "A Nubian Journey (Al-Ahram Weekly January–February 2010)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402233447/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/983/fe3.htm |date=2 April 2011 }} Text and graphic contribution to Al-Ahram Weekly: an original article on a usually very secluded event.</ref><ref name="PackofCards">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/994/pe1.htm "Pack of Cards"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402185418/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/994/pe1.htm |date=2 April 2011 }} subdivision of the "People" section of the newspaper. The subsection opens with a weekly image. When he didn't contribute the image himself, he was in charge of selecting the image. Due to Al-Ahram Weekly's website organisation, in order to see the latest Pack of Cards (or past issues) navigate from here to current/past issues.</ref><ref name="Moroc">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2000/483/tr1.htm "The Boundless Frontier (Al-Ahram Weekly May 2000)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108200841/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2000/483/tr1.htm |date=8 November 2010 }} Text and photos by Sherif Sonbol on his work in Morocco for Museum With no Frontiers.</ref> and in the Cairo Opera House <ref name="CairoOpera10Anni">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1998/398/special.htm Cairo Opera House 10th anniversary exhibit review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806230649/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1998/398/special.htm |date=6 August 2009 }} Al-Ahram Weekly, October 1998</ref><ref name="OperaBook20" /> with other projects.
As a freelancer, he occasionally contributed to other publications — including Kalam-El-Nass. He participated in photography campaigns and other job assignments too. He also collaborated with important cultural centers such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.<ref name="BA08Review">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/926/sc1.htm Bibliotheca Alexandrina "Ecclesiastical Spirituality" exhibit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229002616/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/926/sc1.htm |date=29 December 2008 }} Al-Ahram Weekly review on his latest exhibit in Bibliotheca Alexandrina (December 2008)</ref> His work has been displayed in various exhibits <ref name="NYTimes" /><ref name ="MWNF1">Currently his work is on display, for example, in the [http://www.mwnftravels.net/travel_et_trailDetail.php?id=IAM;eg;1;en&fl=its Museum With No Frontiers exhibit "''Mamluk Art: The Splendor of the Sultans''"]</ref><ref name="Pol1">2012 Exhibit in Poland: article from [http://nisfeldunia.ahram.org.eg/Inner.aspx?ContentID=7244&typeid=9&year=2012&month=06&day=15&issueid=122 "Nisf el Dunia"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121218030931/http://nisfeldunia.ahram.org.eg/Inner.aspx?ContentID=7244&typeid=9&year=2012&month=06&day=15&issueid=122 |date=18 December 2012 }}, in Arabic</ref><ref name= "Pol2">2012 Exhibit in Poland: article from [http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/25/44341/Arts--Culture/Visual-Art/The-quiet-passion-of-photographer-Sonbol-graces-Wa.aspx "Ahram Online"], in English</ref> worldwide and has been the subject of a doctoral thesis<ref name ="Thesis1">Eszter Dobay, The Hungarian Moholy-Nagy Academy of Arts. Thesis title: “''On the portrayal of movement/action in photography''”</ref><ref name="Thesis2">Paula van Akkeren, Amsterdam. Thesis titles: “''What is the role of photography in Egypt''” and “''The relation between photography and art''”</ref>
Sonbol gave seminars at AFCA (Académie Francophone Cairote des Arts){{citation needed|date=January 2020}} and taught photography at the Ahram Canadian University. <ref name="Canadian">[http://www.acu.edu.eg/ Ahram Canadian University´s official website].</ref> since 2008.<br />
Through one of his later freelance projects, Sonbol tried to bring Western and Arabic cultures closer together in order to promote a better understanding and communication.<ref name="World books">The project is moving slowly given the difficulty of finding proper sponsors.</ref>
==Death== Sonbol died on 24 December 2023, at the age of 67.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ezzat |first1=Dina |title=Obituary: Veteran Al-Ahram photographer Sherif Sonbol passes away at 67 |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/2/514611/Egypt/Society/Veteran-AlAhram-photographer-Sherif-Sonbol-passes-.aspx |access-date=25 December 2023 |publisher=Ahram Online |date=24 December 2023}}</ref>
==Technique and style== * One of Sonbol's trademarks was his use of natural available light; a technique he developed under the encouragement of Antoun Albert.<ref name="EgyptToday">[http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6341 Egypt Today February 2006], article on the history of Photography in Egypt.</ref> * An acute sense of timing is also characteristic of his images. This is especially evident in his ballet shots and The New York Times referred to it as "''a particularly agile eye''" adding that "''Even when Sonbol concentrates on stillness, he exemplifies Martha Graham's adage that a pause is not a pose but "an act of accomplishment"'' ".<ref name="NYTimes">[https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/01/arts/photographer-s-brilliant-solos-inspired-by-the-dance.html New York Times October 2003], review and interview on occasion of Lincoln Center Exhibit.</ref> Sonbol developed his eye for dance under the supervision of Erminia Gambarelli Kamel, former prima ballerina and currently artistic director of the Cairo Opera House Ballet.<ref name="NYTimes" /><ref name="EgyptToday" />
==Critical reception== <blockquote>"Nothing is more beautiful than to express art through art…" -Naguib Mahfouz, Nobel Laureate<ref name="Naguib">[http://www.alraimedia.com/alrai/ Alrai Alaa Newspaper] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102003436/http://alraimedia.com/Alrai/ |date=2010-01-02 }}, Naguib Mahfouz on Sonbol's first exhibit at the Cairo Opera House, interview by Ashraf Sadek, (link in Arabic).</ref></blockquote> <blockquote>"Rare is the photographer who looks at a familiar art form and shows it in a new light. But Sherif Sonbol’s stunning and revelatory dance photographs [show] a particularly agile eye… apt to shoot from a catwalk above the stage or from the wings, frequently abstracting shapes into dynamic and explosive bursts of color." -Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times<ref name="NYTimes" /></blockquote> <blockquote>"An artist has reached the pinnacle of his profession when his work can be recognised without his signature being written…" -Mounir Kenaan, leading Egyptian painter<ref name="Kenaan">Featured in Sonbol's catalogues, this special message was originally delivered by Mounir Kenaan's wife, author Sanaa El-Beissy.</ref><ref name="Kenaan2">In 2001, Mounir Kenaan wrote: “''A real artist is when you can recognize his work, without seeing his signature. Sonbol’s photos are like that. When I see a photo taken by Sherif Sonbol, I know immediately it’s his, without seeing his name. He surpassed the impossible. Sonbol, whose endless passion and near-obsession for learning, it is no wonder that he is now the “master’ of all photography masters in ballet –'' " [http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/422715 Al Masry Al Youm English edition article "The Camera Dancer"]</ref></blockquote>
==Books== <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherifsonbol.com/books.html|title=Sherif Sonbol Photography|last=Sonbol|first=Sherif|website=www.sherifsonbol.com|access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref> * ''Opera 1988–1993'', (Cairo Opera House 1993) * ''Aida'', (Cairo Opera House 1999)<ref name="Aida">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1998/399/eg8.htm Al Ahram Weekly October 1998] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018180738/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1998/399/eg8.htm |date=18 October 2012 }}, article on "Aida" show at the Giza Pyramids. Sonbol's book was based on this unique production.</ref> * ''Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten : Nefertiti : Tutankhamen'', (Bullfinch & Boston Museum for Fine Arts 1999, {{ISBN|0-8212-2620-7}} & {{ISBN|978-0-8212-2620-9}}) ''Contributor''. * ''Swan Lake for Children'', (Cairo Opera House, 2000) * ''Mulid! Carnivals of Faith'', (AUC, 2001, {{ISBN|977-424-519-9}} & {{ISBN|978-977-424-519-0}}) * ''Mamluk Art: The Splendor and Magic of the Sultans'' (Museum with No Frontiers & Transatlantic, 2001, {{ISBN|1-874044-37-6}} & {{ISBN|977-270-667-9}}) * ''The Pharaohs'', (Bompiani Arte & Thames and Hudson, 2002, {{ISBN|88-7423-023-0}}) ''Main contributor''. * ''Der Turmbau Zu Babel – Ursprung und Vielfalt von Sprache und Schrift'' (Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien & Skira, 2003, {{ISBN|3-85497-055-2}} & {{ISBN|88-8491-534-1}}) ''Contributor''. * ''40 Pyramids of Egypt and their neighbors'', (Cyperus, 2005, {{ISBN|977-5052-17-3}}) * ''40 Pyramids of Egypt and their neighbors'', Arabic version (Al Hayaa Al Masriya Al-Aama Lel Ketab, 2005, {{ISBN|977-419-690-2}}) * ''Egyptian Palaces and Villas'', (Abrams Inc & AUC, 2006, {{ISBN|0-8109-5538-5}} & {{ISBN|978-0-8109-5538-7}}) * ''The Churches of Egypt: From the Journey of the Holy Family to the Present Day'', (AUC, 2007, {{ISBN|977-416-106-8}} & {{ISBN|978-977-416-106-3}}). Second edition, AUC, 2012 * ''Arts of the City Victorious'' (Yale University, 2008, {{ISBN|978-0-300-13542-8}} & {{ISBN|0-300-13542-4}}) ''Main contributor''. * ''Christianity and Monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun: Essays from the 2002 International Symposium of the Saint Mark Foundation and the Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society'', Edited by Maged S.A. Mikhail & Mark Moussa, (AUC, 2009, {{ISBN|978-977-416-260-2}}) ''Cover image''. * ''Opera 1988–2008'' (Cairo Opera House, 2009) <ref name="OperaBook20">[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/953/special.htm Al Ahram Weekly July 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628030040/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/953/special.htm |date=28 June 2009 }}, Review on Sonbol's book "''Cairo Opera House 1988–2008''".</ref> * ''Al-Tahra Palace, A Gem in a Majestic Garden'' (CULTNAT / Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2009, {{ISBN|978-977-452-144-7}}) * ''The Nile Cruise, an Illustrated Journey'' (AUC, 2010, {{ISBN|977-416-302-8}} & {{ISBN|978-977-416-302-9}}) * ''Wonders of the Horus Temple: The Sound and Light of Edfu'' (AUC, 2011, {{ISBN|977-638-900-7}} & {{ISBN|978-977-638-900-7}}). Introduction by Zahi Hawass * ''The History and Religious Heritage of Old Cairo: Its Fortress, Churches, Synagogue, and Mosque '' (AUC, 2013, {{ISBN|977-416-459-8}} & {{ISBN|978-977-416-459-0}})
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.sherifsonbol.com Sherif Sonbol website] * [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg Al Ahram Weekly] * [http://english.ahram.org.eg Ahram Online] * [http://www.cairoopera.org Cairo Opera House]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sonbol, Sherif}} Category:1956 births Category:2023 deaths Category:Photographers from Cairo Category:Architectural photographers Category:Egyptian photojournalists Category:People from Giza Category:Egyptian contemporary artists Category:Cairo University alumni Category:20th-century Egyptian photographers Category:21st-century Egyptian photographers