Culture and identity intertwine through Arab lenses at Xposure

Sharjah 24: There is something sacred about the way an image can preserve time. In a world where moments vanish in an instant, photography stands as a guardian of memory, a storyteller without words. At the 9th edition of the International Photography Festival (Xposure), where over 100 solo and group exhibitions bring the world’s greatest visual narratives to life, one exhibition stands as a powerful testament to the soul of Arab photography—The Road to Xposure.

Presented by the Union of Arab Photographers, this exhibition manifests as a journey through the Arab eye, a tribute to a region where history is written in light and shadow. The collection brings together the visions of Arab artists who have captured the essence of people, a land, and an identity that refuses to fade. Through their lenses, culture is reimagined, heritage is honoured, and the human experience is immortalised.

A story told in light and shadow

From the domes of Jerusalem to the peaks of the Himalayas, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey across geographies and generations. ‘Dome of the Rock’ by Abdallah Khader immerses viewers in the profound heritage of Jerusalem, where every stone whispers stories of resilience and faith. Peacock Feathers by Ammar Alsayed Ahmed transforms the delicate intricacies of nature into a vibrant symphony of colors, reflecting the complex beauty of existence.

‘The Match’ by Asmaa Ghanim Alabdulla freezes a defining moment in the AFC Asian Cup, where movement, tension, and raw emotion collide in an instant of sporting history. ‘Jamal Al-Aryan’ by Fadhel Abdulla Almutaghawi introduces us to a child of the Himalayan Rayan tribe, whose lineage traces back to the era of Alexander the Great, encapsulating the echoes of generations past. Meanwhile, ‘Jezzine’s Imaginary Topography’ by Hicham Takach reveals the unseen artistry of Lebanon’s landscapes, where waterfalls carve poetry into the mountains.

Each photograph in this exhibition is a chapter in the evolving narrative of the Arab world, told by those who have lived its complexities, its joys, its struggles, and its triumphs.

This exhibition is the result of an immense effort, where 338 photographers submitted 941 images, each one a reflection of their unique perspective. From this vast collection, 108 works were chosen to be part of the annual exhibition book, while 30 were selected to be displayed at Xposure 2025, in the festival’s new home in Aljada, Sharjah.

Nothing bigger than a picture

Under the theme of Xposure 2025, "Nothing Bigger Than a Picture," this exhibition carries a message that goes beyond the frame. A photograph is a revolution—it disrupts, it redefines, it reclaims. In a world that is constantly shifting, these images stand still, refusing to be erased.