PHOTOGRAPHY The UAE Shines at the ‘Power of the Image’ International Photography Culture Exhibition in China

The fourth edition of the ‘Power of the Image’ International Photography Culture Exhibition held in Datong, China awarded UAE photographer Ali Khalifa bin Thalith and Swiss photographer Mark Dana the coveted ‘Photographer of the Year’ accolade for their tireless dedication to both the industry and the art-from.

Bin Thalith was recognised for his passion for underwater photography along with his un-wavered support of marine life and conservation through the power of his photographs. The award also acknowledged his dedication to supporting photography in the Middle East as well as his work with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. Since 2011, Ali bin Thalith has been spearheading the award as it increased its reach to over 196 countries around the globe with the clear vision of inspiring, developing and sharing the art of photography.

HE Ali Bin Thalith and HE Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri / Courtesy of HIPA

From the stage at the ‘Power of the Image’ International Photography Culture Exhibition in China / Courtesy of HIPA<

The exhibition which opened on the 20th October has been a resounding success, and continues to be a highlight on the international photography scene. International VIP’s from around the world attended the exhibition including H.E. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China, Mr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel, the Ambassador of Switzerland to China, Mr Marc Vinck, the Ambassador of Belgium to China, President of the China International Public Relations Association (CIPRA), founders of Three Shadows Photography Art Centre photographers Rong Rong and Inri, representatives of local and international photographic societies, local and international media, official dignitaries and members of the photography community.

Commenting on the cultural exhibition, bin Thalith expressed, “China is an example of great photographic excellence, not only in the size, type of achievement and speed of development but also in the level of professionalism and talent produced in the field of visual arts, not to mention the pride they possess for the ancient art of sketching, drawing and painting.”

Bin Thalith continued, “I dedicate this award to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, for their continued support of Emirati artists who are dedicated to proudly representing our great country on the world stage.”

H.E. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri concluded, “We are proud of all our Emirati artists. It is no coincidence that the children of Zayed work tirelessly to share their initiatives across the globe. Their continued dedication to achieving international acclaim is but one example of their pursuit for excellence. Being the best in their field is engrained in them; it is more than just a goal, it is a way of life.”

The ‘Power of the Image’ International Photography Culture Exhibition was established by the China International Public Relations Association (CIPRA) and has been hosted in Datong, China since its launch in 2015. The exhibition showcases photography by local and international artists in an effort to promote and celebrate the profound impact that photography has had on the evolution of civilisation through the power of the captured image, and the ability to visually record history.

The exhibition is being held for 15 days from October 20 - November 4, 2018. The exhibition is open to the public and is free to attend.