Tasweer opens Frame and Focus Exhibition telling stories of identity, memory and heritage

Doha, Qatar witnessed the opening of the second edition of Frame and Focus, a photography exhibition by the Tasweer Photography Festival at Al Hosh Gallery. The exhibition, running until October 5, showcases the final projects of 12 photographers who have completed Tasweer's advanced 14-week Photography Course.

The Frame and Focus exhibition presents a diverse array of photographic styles, from documentary photography and portraiture to conceptual image-making. Each piece is a reflection of the photographers' cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, offering intimate perspectives on themes such as place, community, and contemporary life.

Khalifa Al Obaidly, the Director of Tasweer, emphasized the broader impact of the Frame and Focus exhibition on the region's photographic community. He stated that the exhibition exemplifies the festival's commitment to providing photographers with the platform, guidance, and visibility needed to advance their practices and reach new audiences.

Alanoud Al Buainain, the Deputy Director of Image and Narrative Practices at the Qatar Preparatory School, highlighted the educational value of the exhibition. She explained that the photographers' work demonstrates the transformative power of structured guidance and opportunities for creative exploration, which can lead to the development of a more robust and resilient photographic community in Qatar and beyond.

The VII Foundation, in partnership with Tasweer and Al Hosh Gallery, also played a crucial role in shaping the exhibition. Ziyah Gafić, the Director of The VII Foundation, emphasized that photography serves as a vital means of storytelling and resistance in times of turmoil. She praised the photographers for their ability to bring rigor, empathy, and deeply personal perspectives to the complex issues of belonging, memory, and resilience.

Abdulla Faisal Al Khalaf, the Director of The VII Foundation, commended the diverse visual languages showcased in the exhibition. Each photographer's distinct style, influenced by their personal experiences and honed through the Frame and Focus Photography course, contributes to a rich and layered exploration of themes such as home, faith, family, memory, and belonging.

The exhibition also addresses the broader issues of landscape, heritage, and community, reflecting on how individuals and communities preserve their heritage across generations and navigate the challenges of displacement while maintaining connections to their culture and place.