Muscat: The 28th Photography Week, themed Bawn, has officially begun at Sultan Qaboos University, under the patronage of Dr. Abdulmunim bin Mansour Al-Hasani, the former Minister of Information.
This annual event, organized by the Photo Society within the Deanship of Student Affairs, aims to cultivate an environment rich in artistic expression and creativity.
During the opening ceremony, Ali Al-Ruqaishi, the president of the society, delivered a speech expressing appreciation for the blessings that Oman has provided to its people.
He highlighted the Photo Society's role in fostering student talent since its inception in 1991 and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing their skills.
Al-Ruqaishi also remarked that this week represents the culmination of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by the society's members and supporters.
Following his address, a series of video presentations were shown, including a montage that chronicled the society's journey leading up to the event, highlights from its annual trip, a visual showcase of the displayed photographs, and the announcement of this year's winners in the open category.
The top prize was awarded to Al Hasan Al-Yaarubi for his photograph titled Asjadi. Manal Al-Kindi, a doctoral student, claimed second place with her work Fudhul, while the third-place honor went to Al Khalil Al-Saqri for his photograph Sadeem al-Jibal.
In the project category, the winning team consisted of Hiba Al-Jabri, Kawthar Al-Jabri, Hajar Al-Nabhani, and Yumna Al-Gharbi for their project titled Tajallad.
The theme of Photography Week is embodied in the term Bawn, which signifies ‘contrast’. This concept emphasizes the relationship between light and shadow, illustrating that each cannot hold significance without the presence of the other.
This contrast shapes the characteristics of nature and contributes to the distinct identities of individuals while also fostering a sense of unity among them. By taking a step back, one can appreciate that our differences ultimately bind us together, creating a cohesive yet varied whole.
In its 28th iteration, the Photo Society honors contrast as a concept, a universal truth, and a visual philosophy that promotes the recognition of genuine beauty—the balance between opposing forces that merge and separate to produce a captivating sensory and visual experience.
Photography Week seeks to broaden this conversation through a diverse array of artistic expressions. The associated exhibition features 15 portrait photographs, five nature-inspired images, 15 snapshots of daily life, along with visuals highlighting architectural elegance, wildlife, and abstract art.
The 28th Photography Week will run until March 20 and includes a range of activities such as artistic workshops, exhibitions, and other related events.
It is important to mention that this annual event is organized by the Photography Society under the Deanship of Student Affairs at the university.
