Photography exhibition offers rare glimpse into Saudi society
Works of 10 awardwinning Saudi photographers now on display in Al Serkal Avenue
Project Space Art Jameel in Al Serkal Avenue is currently exhibiting a collection of photographs captured by a new generation of young photographers based in Saudi Arabia.
The exhibition Saudi Seen presents myriad works ranging from intimate vignettes detailing women’s narratives by photographers Eman Al Dabbagh and Tasneem Al Sultan, to commanding images of Saudi landscapes by Adriano Pimenta, Akram Al Amoudi and Moath Alofi. Artist Filwa Nazer showcases a photo collage of her childhood in the 1980s.
The group of 10 award-winning photographers also includes Bader Awwad Al Balawi, Kholood Saleh Al Bakr, Majid Angawi and Sami Al Tokhais.
“With the rise of photography as a hobby and an artistic practice over the past couple of decades, Saudi Arabia has witnessed the growth of a generation of photographers who are expressing themselves through images,” programme manager Lana Shamma told Gulf News.
For visitors, the gallery provides a rare glimpse into Saudi society and the personal lives of its citizens.
“My practice in documentary photography showcases the change in and bridges the past to the future that we are moving towards. I hope to vary the imagery that exists when people are exploring Saudi Arabia online and offer an alternative perspective,” said Kholood Al Bakr.
The history of photography in Saudi Arabia is as old as the discovery of oil since it was oil companies that were among the first to import cameras, darkroom materials and bring in photographers.
Saudi Arabia has seen drastic changes in its urbanisation and landscapes since the 1950s which have been documented through photography. The exhibition has been organised by the Art Jameel curatorial team and also offers a catalogue essay by writer and academic Maha Al Senan, who specialises in modern and contemporary Saudi art and heritage. Saudi
is free and open to the public from 10am to 6pm daily (except Fridays). The exhibition ends on February 13.