PHOTO EXHIBITION AT THE EMPTY QUARTER (SEP 15- NOV 5, 2015) Middle Eastern Talks

The Empty Quarter gallery unveils its latest collection of unseen photographs, unknown places, and traditional stories emanating from the Middle East. These celebrated artists have travelled the region to bring us the most unique stories of a specific culture. The exhibition 'Middle Eastern Talks' will open on Sep 15 and will run until Nov 5, 2015.

JORDI ESTEVA

In September 2011 Jordi Esteva travelled to Socotra, an isolated island in Yemen. Socotra does not have a bay or a natural port and is surrounded by reef, which makes it impossible to land - especially during the monsoon. This isolation has preserved the unique environment captured by the artist. Born in Barcelona in 1951, Jordi is a writer, journalist and photographer. He has travelled all over Africa, Asia and the Middle East. He has worked as a researcher and photographer for UNESCO and he shot a movie for the UN about Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean (2006). His photographs have been exhibited internationally.

Jordi Esteva, Haghier mountains, Socotra, Yemen / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter and the Artist

Jordi Esteva, Sheikh Abdallah, Socotra, Yemen / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter and the Artist

AL-MOUTASIM AL-MASKERY

Al-Moutasim Al-Maskery tells us the story of Omani tribes migrating from the desert towards the coastline during July and August every year. Born in 1981 in Oman, Al Moutasim’s interest in photography began at the age of 12 when he began accompanying his geologist father on extraordinary trips to the mountains, valleys, and deserts of his native Oman. His father would share with him the photographic images captured during these trips - 'This is how I acquired a good eye for detail’. And thus, his lifetime passion for artistic photography was fostered.

JALAL JAMAL BIN THANEYA

Emirati artist Jalal Jamal Bin Thaneya contrasts emotions and once-alive places with a series of photographs from a world that has long been forgotten, revealing bygone memories. Jalal was born in Dubai in 1986. Contrast and heritage is Jalal’s signature in his photography. This stems from his belief that preservation of our past will allow us to better foresee the future, and that this is part of our identity that we must protect.

Jalal Jamal Bin Thaneya, Faith Remains, 2015, UAE / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter and the Artist

AMANI AL SHAALI

Amani Al Shaali, portrays feelings of longing for freedom and nostalgia. Emirati artist, born in 1991. She developed a passion for photography at the age of thirteen, and spent a few years working on various techniques. Today, Amani tells stories and experiences which she feels can only be told through photography.

Amani Al Shaali, Hope Dwells In The Darkness, 2015 / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter and the Artist

ISSA SALEH ALKINDY

Issa Saleh AlKindy captures the process by which Omani Rose water is made from rose petals which are carefully selected by local farmers, following an ancient tradition. Issa is an Omani photographer whose exposure to different cultures has infused in him an appreciation for heritage, an element that is clearly evident throughout his photography. He has received recognition in competitions such as the National Geographic Daily Dozen and the Desert Fish Talent Code/UNICEF Campaign among others.

Issa Saleh AlKindy, Cooling extracted rose water, Oman / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter and the Artist

MOHAMMED AHMED AHLI

Mohammed is an Emirati landscape photographer based in Dubai. His photographs are inspired by the observation of nature and its moods. This passion is recurrent throughout Mohammed’s works. He chooses mysterious, spiritual, and unexplored places that are reminiscent of the UAE culture.