As part of extended research projects, Youssef Ragheb in “Succubus” explores a mythical concept that reflects the complex relationship between desire and social control by reinterpreting the character of Succubus, a mythical demonic entity that recurs in many cultures throughout history. It represents the tension between repressed desire and societies striving to control it amidst the dominance of technological evolution.
The exhibition reimagines the concept of the Succubus through visual experiments that delve into the nature of desire and the self in the digital age from the perspective of human heritage, considering the interaction with technology and its modern media. It also explores how ancient myths can form and adapt to the digital world in light of the growing digital dominance, which allows the broadcasting of the digital body to multiple places at the same time.
Youssef Ragab uses the “Succubus” as a focal point for researching and exploring global folkloric heritage, where succubus are often represented as seductive and deadly feminine objects of desire that appear to seduce men through sexual activity in their sleep.
This archetype of the demonic female figure is a staple of mythology throughout ages and cultures, as in Lilith in the Babylonian Talmud, Lilu in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Sirens, and harpies in Greek mythology, Al Quarinah in Arabian mythology, “Al Nadaha” in Egyptian urban legends, and the Succubus in medieval literature. Philosophically, in Carl Jung’s theories, Succubus often symbolizes integration of the ” shadow self,” which encompasses repressed desires, fears, and other rejected aspects of one’s psyche. Succubus represents the tension between desire and the self, leading us to an internal conflict with the darker parts of one’s psyche.
Through various techniques, Ragab blends cultural heritage with digitization, examining the impact of modern technology on reshaping ancient myths. He revitalizes the image of the Succubus through the simple yet intricate use of traditional mixed media such as inks, charcoal, and soft pastels on vintage paper, within a loosely bound visual narrative occasionally utilizing written text. Ragheb relies on a vast visual archive, incorporating symbols from global cinema like Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, medical illustrations, pop culture, and more, to reimagine the concept of Succubus through the lexicon of mythology, cinema, Japanese manga, meme culture, and written text as a narrative tool.
The exhibition opens on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, from 7 – 9 PM at Medrar.
and runs until Sunday, February 27th, 2025, from 4 – 9 pm except Fridays in Medrar.
Address: Medrar, 10 Gamal Eldin Abo ElMahasen, Garden City, Cairo.











