When thinking of the UAE’s art scene, Dubai probably first comes to mind as a major hub; but thanks to the efforts of artist, curator and designer Hoor Al-Qasimi, Sharjah has successfully solidified itself as a major player.
Much of the Emirates’ involvement in the art world is in large part due to the Al-Qasimi-founded Sharjah Art Foundation. And since 2013, the foundation has impressively put the spotlight on the GCC’s talented photographers through their annual photography exhibition, Vantage Point Sharjah.
Courtesy of Armin Amirian, ‘Alest’ (2017) and Sharjah Art Foundation
Despite the pandemic as a major roadblock for exhibitions across the globe, the show’s 2020 iteration is still on, this time bringing together 30 photographers from 20 different countries to showcase their work—a major shift from previous exhibitions that restricted its open calls to GCC applicants.
But this isn’t the first time the exhibition opened its doors to the world. Last year’s showing brought on 36 photographers from across the globe, but what was thought of as a one-of experience is seemingly a new-fangled Vantage Point Sharjah standard.
Courtesy of Sundos Alsheebani, ‘Absurdism II’ (2018) and Sharjah Art Foundation
Adding to that, this year’s exhibition has taken an even newer stride. Whereas previous editions have carried strict themes that guided photographers, the photography on showcase this year vary in both subjects and mediums.
From a digitally manipulated series detailing Iranian architecture to straight-forward documentary-style photography, Vantage Point Sharjah’s eighth edition has everything to offer.
Vantage Point Sharjah, August 29-November 28, Sharjah Art Foundation Al Hamriyah Studios
sharjahart.org
Main image courtesy of Gianluigi Guercia, ‘Meat Market’ (2018) and Sharjah Art Foundation
