Latest news with #XposureInternationalPhotographyFestival
Sharjah 24
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Arab Cultural Club hosts "Mosques of Sharjah" Exhibition
A Showcase of Photographic Talent A total of 26 photographers from the Emirates Photography Society participated in the exhibition, including: Abubakr Mohamed Al-Ahmar, Ahmed Adnan Abu Sardaneh, Iman Salem Al Ali, Aya Mohamed Idris, Pouria Akbar Asadi, Hudhaifa Abdulaziz Al Rayes, Khidr Mohamed Al Aidrous, Raja Turki Shetnawi, Radwan Mohamed Ouda, Samah Nidal Al Khuffash, Atef Mahmoud Shaer, Abdullah Abdulwahid Al Balouki, Imaduddin Alaaddin, Imran Abdulmuti Al Ahmad, Faten Haitham Al Saleh, Laila Ali Al Hammadi, Mohamed Bassam Al Anabtawi, Mohamed Alaaddin, Mohamed Nabil Zarandah, Mahmoud Nour Hussein, Malqa Neamatullah Darabian, Mai Medhat Arnaout, Naama Samir Al Naji, Hiba Muwafiq Rayhan, Hadeen Hussein Al Saadi, and Hind Mohamed Khalid. These photographers presented 38 works capturing the mosques of Sharjah, highlighting their beauty and grandeur. Their images showcased the diverse artistic and decorative elements that reflect Islamic mosque architecture across different historical periods and global regions. This visual exploration reinforced Sharjah's reputation as the "City of Mosques" and a hub of Islamic architectural excellence. Three Artistic Approaches to Mosque Photography The artists focused on three key aspects in their photographic interpretations of mosques: The External Landscape of Mosques One approach centred on how mosques harmonise with their surrounding residential and natural environments, enhancing the landscape with their majestic presence. A standout example is a nighttime aerial shot of Al Noor Mosque by artist Samah Nidal Al Khuffash. Captured during the Xposure International Photography Festival, the image showcases the mosque's illuminated structure in perfect harmony with the scenery of Noor Island, the lake, and the city lights. The reflections of these lights on the water, combined with the soft red hues of the twilight sky beyond the buildings, create a serene spiritual ambiance that aligns beautifully with the mosque's domes and minarets. Architectural Aesthetics of Mosque Exteriors Another approach focused on capturing the architectural splendor of mosque exteriors. A striking example is a photograph by Khidr Mohamed Al Aidrous of a newly built mosque at the entrance of Al Dhaid city. The mosque's structure resembles a glass sphere, crowned with a spiral minaret. Its harmonious and elegant architectural composition makes it appear as a rare artistic masterpiece, inviting viewers to pause, admire, and step inside to explore its hidden wonders. Interior Ornamentation and Decorative Elements The third approach delved into the intricate interior details of mosque architecture. Photographer Pouria Akbar Asadi captured a mesmerising image of a mosque ceiling, presenting an intricate interplay of arches, domes, chandeliers, and stained-glass windows. The elements intertwine like a finely crafted mosaic, reflecting the precision and beauty of mosque architecture. The careful attention to detail in these structures transforms them into breathtaking visual spectacles, designed to elevate the spiritual experience of worshippers. A Celebration of Artistic Mastery Commenting on the exhibition, Dr. Omar Abdulaziz stated: "The Arab Cultural Club continues to fulfill the vision set forth by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as a hub for cultural and artistic creativity. We are honoured to host this remarkable group of professional photographers from the Emirates Photography Society, who have demonstrated extraordinary artistic skill in this exhibition. Their ability to master camera techniques, capture the perfect moment, and employ visual storytelling through framing, symbolism, and composition is truly commendable. Their work not only pays tribute to mosque architecture, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, but also achieves an artistic standard worthy of international recognition."
Jordan Times
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025: capturing resilience through photography
SHARJAH—Xposure International Photography Festival continues to expand its horizons, shining a spotlight on humanitarian, cultural, and environmental issues through captivating photography exhibitions. With each passing year, the festival grows both in scale and diversity, uniting photographers from across the globe to share untold stories through their lenses. Each image serves as a testament to human resilience, merging artistic vision with the power of creativity. In an interview with The Jordan Times, Alyazya alghufli, head of the multimedia department at the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, shared insights on the festival's focus for 2025: 'The ninth edition of Xposure explores themes of environmental change, migration, and the destruction caused by wars and natural disasters. Yet, it is equally committed to balancing the documentation of tragedies with reflections of hope.' Alghufli emphasised the festival's optimism: 'Even in the midst of crisis, photographers capture moments of human endurance, highlighting the inherent survival instinct that pushes people to move forward.' She added, 'Where there is devastation, there is also light—a resilient human spirit that strives for a better tomorrow.' A Unique Narrative Approach What distinguishes Xposure is its unwavering commitment to storytelling. This is not simply an 'exhibition'; it is a celebration of visual narratives that transform photographs from mere documentation into powerful expressions of the human experience. The festival's selection process is rigorous, beginning the moment the current edition ends. 'Each year, the curatorial team ensures fresh perspectives—showcasing unseen works and featuring talents that add depth and complexity to visual storytelling,' alghufli explained. Beyond focusing on marginalised humanitarian issues, the festival also serves as a source of inspiration. It provides emerging photographers with a platform to flourish, offering mentorship, partnership opportunities and professional development workshops to help guide them in their careers. 'At Xposure, photography is not a one-sided conversation; it's a dynamic dialogue that influences the future of photojournalism and visual documentation,' she added. AI in Photography: A Tool, Not a Replacement With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in photography, a natural conversation emerges. While AI may play a role in certain aspects of image processing, alghufli affirms that the authenticity of capturing a real moment remains irreplaceable. 'Xposure is committed to the belief that photography is about truth—the emotions, realities, and experiences captured in a single frame,' she said. These images, whether from war zones, natural disasters, or everyday life, bring distant stories to global audiences, bridging cultures and perspectives. 'As the festival evolves, its mission remains clear: to inspire, to challenge, and to ensure that the power of visual storytelling leaves a lasting impression,' alghufli concluded.
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Xposure concluded its 9th edition with over 30000 visitors
Allay confirmed the successful conclusion of the 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, which saw a wide attendance exceeding 30,000 visitors. This was the first edition held in Aljada area of Sharjah, establishing the festival as a leading global platform in the world of photography and visual arts. In exclusive statements to "Sharjah 24," Allay emphasised that the festival attracted a select group of international and local photographers, offering interactive workshops, panel discussions, and specialised art exhibitions. This made it an exceptional event for photography enthusiasts and those interested in the visual arts. The large turnout highlights the festival's importance in enriching the artistic and educational landscape in photography and enhancing Sharjah's role as a global center for visual creativity. He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the participating photographers, workshop presenters, and everyone involved in the festival, commending the efforts of the organising teams that contributed to providing an exceptional experience for visitors and participants. He affirmed that 'Xposure' will continue to evolve and expand in future editions, remaining a primary destination for photographers and artists from around the world.
Jordan Times
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025: the power of photography in exposing int'l injustices
In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth (Photo by Maria Weldali) SHARJAH – In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth. Held in Sharjah, this year's festival brings together some of the world's most influential photographers and visual storytellers, each armed with a camera and a mission—to expose, document and provoke. From the frontlines of conflict to the depths of environmental crises, Xposure 2025 is more than a celebration of photography. It is a testament to the power of images to hold those in power accountable and give voice to the silenced. Speaking with The Jordan Times on the sidelines of the festival, Svetlana Bachevanova, a photojournalist and an advocate for human rights through visual storytelling, discussed how photojournalism cuts through propaganda and misinformation. Bachevanova said that photojournalism's ability to pierce through propaganda lies in its capacity to capture undeniable realities. 'Ensuring the authenticity of photojournalistic work requires rigorous validation, including in-person consultations with photographers to verify that images remain unaltered. For example, the recent publication Ukraine: A War Crime—a 540-page volume documenting war crimes in Ukraine—engaged directly with its photographer to uphold accuracy,' she said. 'The human element and social interaction are indispensable, especially in an era where AI-driven visual storytelling may, in some cases, undermine the authenticity and emotional depth of human narratives.' 'The first step in verifying the integrity of a photograph is establishing trust in the photographer,' Bachevanova said. On the ethical implications of AI-generated visuals, Bachevanova cautioned that such content could distort reality, making it critical for photojournalists to clearly distinguish between authentic photographs and AI-generated images. 'AI visuals can blur the lines, and photojournalists must be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of their work,' she said. As the director of FotoEvidence, an organization dedicated to supporting documentary photographers who expose injustice worldwide, Bachevanova reflected on the challenges faced by photojournalists today and the risks they take to document human rights violations. 'The ability of photojournalists to document injustices is often restricted, and many are prevented from capturing and sharing critical evidence,' she said. 'The international spread of doubts about the authenticity of media content only fuels mistrust and empowers politicians further.' Unlike written words, which can be manipulated or taken out of context, images have an immediacy and emotional power that make them harder to dismiss. A single photograph, Bachevanova noted, can challenge official narratives and force accountability in ways that written reports sometimes cannot. Throughout her career, Bachevanova has covered pivotal historical events, including the collapse of Bulgaria's communist government, Boris Yeltsin's coup attempt in Russia and the Romanian Revolution, among others. Acclaimed for her fearless pursuit of truth, she has published over 40 books on themes of human rights, ecological justice and social equity, sharing visual stories from 29 countries. Turning to the evolving role of photojournalism in today's geopolitical landscape, Bachevanova acknowledged that the field faces increasing complexities. Media censorship, digital surveillance and AI-generated disinformation now threaten the ability to capture and share truthful narratives.
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Imadeddin Alaeddin: Showcasing Islamic Architecture via Xposure
Photographer Imadeddin Alaeddin stated that his goal in presenting the exhibition is to showcase the creativity of Islamic architecture to the world through Xposure International Photography Festival . He focused on capturing the beauty of mosque domes while highlighting the harmony between light, shadow, and intricate designs. Alaaeldin noted in statements to "Sharjah 24" that his project presents both two-dimensional and three-dimensional perspectives when photographing the domes from a different viewpoint, prompting the audience to ask questions about the photography techniques used during the project, which lasted for two months to document several mosque domes across the seven emirates of the state. He emphasised that this blend of art and spirituality enhances visual storytelling and inspires the audience with his unique perspective.
