Post by : Badri Ariffin

Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of Emirati culture, guiding generations in the exploration of land, sea, and heritage. This spirit is vividly expressed in photography as Emirati artists fuse science, nature, and emotion into captivating visual tales.

At the milestone 10th Xposure International Photography Festival, three talented Emirati photographers will showcase distinct bodies of work that explore themes such as astronomy, micro-science, and conceptual art. Their varied viewpoints reflect a generation that confidently merges tradition with modernity.

Delving into the Cosmos: Yousuf Al Qasimi

Yousuf Al Qasimi, known for his stunning night-sky photography and his affiliation with the Emirates Astronomical Society, captures breathtaking images of nebulae, star clusters, and meteor showers. His astrophotography reestablishes humanity’s profound bond with the universe. In addition to celestial photography, Al Qasimi documents extreme weather phenomena, portraying lightning storms and supercells. His exhibition, The Sky – Within and Beyond, in the Nature zone, offers a striking view of the sky’s remarkable beauty.

Discovering Micro Wonders: Rashed Alsumaiti

Rashed Alsumaiti invites viewers into hidden realms through his advanced micro-photography. His art transforms ordinary substances like salt and vitamin C crystals into abstract forms and ethereal landscapes. Featured in the Fine Art and Creative Expression zone, Dancing Crystals merges art with science. Beginning his journey in landscape photography in 2009, Alsumaiti continually delves into the intricacies of nature, embracing experimentation with scale and perspective.

Exploring Emotional Landscapes: Ghada Ahmed Al Qasimi

Ghada Ahmed Al Qasimi's photography investigates themes of memory, silence, and emotional complexity. Her series, Silence, displayed in the Fine Art zone, encourages introspection through subtle compositions and repetition. Her photographs convey notions of presence and absence, emphasizing the reflective essence of contemporary Emirati art.

A Transformative Emirati Creative Movement

Collectively, these photographers represent a cultural evolution, where heritage inspires creativity and scientific inquiry enriches artistic expression. Xposure 2026, themed A Decade of Visual Storytelling, will take place from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada, Sharjah. The festival serves as a platform for both Emirati and international photographers to engage in rich visual storytelling.

#Global News