Emirati Expressions

We are excited to share with you the book Emirati Expressions, a new publication out of the United Arab Emirates. photo-eye is the only US bookstore to be receiving copies. The result of photographic workshops led by Stephen Shore, the 450-page exhibition catalogue features 50 plates by Shore as well as works by Afra Al Dhaheri, Afra Bin Dhaher, Alia Al Shamsi, Ammar Al Attar, Fatima Al Youssef, Hadeyeh Badri, Lateefa Al Maktoum, Maitha Bin Demithan, Salem Al Qassimi, Tarek Al-Ghoussein and JR. Taken over four months in 2009 in Abu Dhabi, the images explore Emirati culture heritage and identity from the perspectives of both foreigners and Emiratis.

The exhibition, which took place between October of 2011 and January of this year, was part of Abu Dhabi Art, an initiative to inspire, support and nurture Emirati art. The ten artists who were selected to take part in Shore's workshops had work presented in small individual galleries attached to a central hallway that featured Shore's explorations of Abu Dhabi. Like the exhibition, the book begins with Shore's Abu Dhabi portfolio followed with images from the emerging Emirati artists.

Stephen Shore from Emirati Expressions

Afra Bin Dhaher from Emirati Expressions

Young artists contributed to all elements of Emirati Expressions, from the exhibition layout, design and branding, to its documentation and the catalogue itself. This video takes a look at the show and participants, with input from Shore on the project and the young photographers he worked with. There's also some great footage of the massive interactive photobooth from JR.