WeirDo in Wadi Degla
A Photograph by Laure d'Utruy
This is the 155th edition of Tender Photo, a digital platform of African photography.
The hill rises behind him in slight undulations. In the unobtrusive manner of his poise—the careful way he has folded his hands, the spare flow of his dress, for instance—it is difficult not to see him as encompassed by the deforested landscape. His gaze is focused on the viewer, and livened, perhaps, by his careful but noticeable use of an eyeliner. And, to speak of his eyes as so is to introduce a different mood to this waterless place.
— Emmanuel Iduma
“I am determined to move away from depictions that evoke pity.”
In 2023, I met Omar, a Cairo-based artist known as WeirDo. I initiated a documentary project about his life, The Elephant in the Room, which explores disability rights and the representation of minorities in Egyptian society. The project blends documentary photography—capturing candid moments of WeirDo’s daily life—with metaphorical portraiture inspired by our conversations. These portraits transform his visions into symbolic representations, offering a deeper insight into his inner world and perspective.
This photograph was taken in Wadi Degla, a valley near Cairo, Egypt. That day, WeirDo chose the desert as a metaphor for the inaccessibility of the society around him. “I hate to see people climbing, as I'll never be able to do it,” he said, watching the silhouettes in the distance. Despite his determination, WeirDo faces significant discrimination in public spaces and deep-seated stigmas surrounding his condition. Yet, even in the face of marginalization, he remains a fierce voice for disability rights, inclusivity, and the representation of minorities in Egypt.
I chose this photograph because it captures the essence of The Elephant in the Room. It highlights WeirDo’s rebellious spirit, relentless determination, and bold defiance of societal norms, reshaping perceptions of disability. Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of nine and living with a shortened life expectancy, he relies on a wheelchair and caregivers for daily mobility. “I call myself WeirDo because I often feel like an outsider. I’m different from everyone else in the room, and I chose this name to embrace that difference instead of feeling ashamed.” He chooses not to be defined by his physical limitations or societal expectations. Instead, WeirDo uses his art and self-expression to challenge these boundaries.
My work, a visual biographical sketch of WeirDo’s world, aims to go beyond traditional portrayals of disability, focusing on empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity. I am determined to move away from depictions that evoke pity, striving instead to celebrate his unique story and resilient spirit.
This project serves as a narrative told through WeirDo’s voice, reflecting on his lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs. By amplifying his story, it creates an open conversation that invites viewers to question preconceived notions about disability.
Minority representation in Egyptian media remains significantly low, and my work aims to help bridge that gap while fostering discussions on inclusion—both within Egypt and in a broader global context.
— Laure d'Utruy
About Laure d'Utruy
Laure d’Utruy is a French artist based between Berlin, Germany and Cairo, Egypt. Blending documentary and fine art photography, her work delves into human rights and social justice, capturing complex narratives across cultures. Her projects include documenting societal issues in Iran and exploring disability advocacy in France and Egypt. Laure’s work has earned recognition from various organizations, including the National Geographic Society, the Lucie Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. Her photographs have been featured at international events such as Photo Marseille, Helsinki Photo Festival, Visa pour l’Image International Photojournalism Festival, and The Month of Photography Los Angeles. In 2025, her ten years project ‘L’autre Famille’, advocating for disability rights in France, was presented in a solo exhibition in Paris. Laure is also a member of Women Photograph. See more of her work on her website and on Instagram.
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TENDER PHOTO is a digital platform of African photography, founded by Emmanuel Iduma. Our aim is to engage with life on the African continent through photography. We publish narratives about the people, places, and events pictured in photographs, contributing to nuanced and layered perceptions. The newsletter also read on web (best for viewing images), and via the Substack iOS/Android apps.
Every Wednesday we feature a photograph, a short caption about it, and a statement from the photographer. In the past, we have published commentaries or photo-essays in response to photographs previously featured on the newsletter, including CORRESPONDENCES, CONCORDANCE, KINDRED, INDEX, and AFFINITIES.
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