Bio

Heba Khamis (b.1988), is an Egyptian independent visual practitioner, whose work explores the ethics and emotional impact of documenting sensitive social issues. Her practice centers care, co-authorship, and psychological safety, guided by deep empathy and connection with her subjects. Often addressing themes underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media, Khamis blends artistic sensitivity with journalistic rigor to create imagery that is both visually compelling and socially resonant.

She has exhibited in the Netherlands, Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and many other countries, and most recently presented her solo exhibition Her Waves at the French Institute in Egypt (2025). Her teaching and jury experience includes the Nikon Photo Contest and the ECCA–DMJX Grant (2024).Khamis is a two-time World Press Photo winner (2018, 2019) and has also been recognized by PhMuseum and Reuters among others. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Le Monde, GEO, and CNN, and has been commissioned by UNICEF, Save the Children, and the ICRC.

Holding a BA in Painting, Khamis began her career as a photojournalist during Egypt’s 2011 revolutions. She later deepened her visual approach through studies at DMJX (Denmark) and Hannover University (Germany). In 2020, she studied art therapy at Metàfora (Spain), grounding her practice in care and developing a methodology that amplifies protagonists’ voices while prioritising their psychological well-being.