JEDDAH — The growing art movement has sparked interest in the evolution of digital and contemporary art among the youth of Saudi Arabia. It has also made the younger generation more aware of the current social situation and traditional settings. Egyptian artist Ahmed Darwish is part of that art culture. Darwish said he wished to see more freedom and understanding of photography in Saudi Arabia. “I want to be able to walk around with my camera around my neck and take photos on the street or historical areas without being looked at or accused.” It is easy to forget that until a few years ago, being a photographer was a multifaceted and time-consuming job. Darwish has adapted his passion over the years and remembers selling his first photograph. A childhood fascination transformed into a fruitful enterprise. “I had around 15 photos being showcased in a famous cafe in Jeddah, and that was where my first photograph was sold. “I was over the moon because as a new photographer thinking someone liked my work to the extent to buy it was indescribable.” As a kid Darwish was curious about Polaroid and film — back when photographs were developed in a dark room. “I always liked to play with my dad's Polaroid camera and take photos, then using film cameras. I guess since childhood I had a thing for photography.” He said the main misconceptions associated with being a photographer are that you need space, material, expensive equipment and more. “To be a proper artist all that you need is to have your own vision for your art.” Darwish identifies with conceptual art, and uses the same school of thought for his favorite type of photography. He enjoys food, photography and shooting portraits. Talking about his favorite themes, he said: “I have a thing about black and white photography.” Darwish plans to travel across Egypt and take photos for a book that compiles his work and promotes Egyptian tourism. He said: “My work was published and showcased in many events in and outside Saudi Arabia. “My biggest accomplishment was shooting on a wild Safari in Kenya and my photos were shown in the tourism exhibition there, which I was also attending.” Darwish is part of a few exhibitions scheduled to take place after Ramadan in Jeddah and Dubai. With photography becoming a raging obsession, Darwish expressed his dislike for commercialism and low standards of art value. “Price tags or artists are either asking too much to sell their art even though they are beginning their careers. Or that people here are asking to get people's work for pennies which is insulting to the artist.” His dream project involves a project that creates a space for local artists and photographers by providing space and equipment for shooting and creativity. “Business wise, starting my own studio and seeing my work used by many clients. Personally, to keep traveling the world and shooting in every corner of the globe.” Talking about technique and what sets him apart as a professional photographer, he said: “Just a different view I guess, each photographer has a different view or angle in taking a photo. Anyone can take a photo of a tree, but the art is making this tree interesting.” Discussing his favorites, Darwish told Saudi Gazette he most values Thamer Al-Hassan from Saudi Arabia and on an international level, he loves the work of the Turkish Photographer Mustafa Deniz (aka Mustafa Seven). For beginner photographers on a budget, he recommended the new Nikon D3200, which “has what a starting photographer needs without burning a big hole in their pockets.”
