Dubai Photo Exhibition 2016

The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) reveals “Dubai Photo Exhibition”, the event which in 2016 – its inaugural year – presents a global perspective on photography, between the 16th and 19th of March 2016 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

“Dubai Photo Exhibition” is set to provide a distinctive platform for photography to stand on its own as an art form. For the inaugural edition in 2016, Dubai Photo Exhibition presents a showcase of museum quality international artworks, in the Dubai Design District (d3), supported by the World Photography Organisation (WPO). This exhibition is also supported by a series of public lectures and workshops and a thought-provoking symposium led by the international curators.

His Excellency Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA commented: “Since launching in 2011, driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, HIPA has aimed to shine a light on artistic photography in the UAE. In March 2016, Dubai Photo Exhibition will bring this goal to life, transforming Dubai into an exceptional “visual museum” which will display artworks by some of the world’s most celebrated photographers, both contemporary and classic. In addition, the public programme running alongside the showcase will help Dubai Photo Exhibition make its mark on the international arts calendar and support Dubai’s vision of becoming a global centre of photography discourse.”

Scott Gray, Founder and CEO of the World Photography Organisation, commented: “We are delighted to be able to work on a project that brings together some of the most remarkable work over the last century. An exhibition with this global reach and of this magnitude is unique and an important statement for photography, not just in the exhibition itself, but also by bringing some of the most respected curators from around the world together under one roof.”

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, COO of Dubai Design District, said: “We are extremely proud to be hosting the inaugural Dubai Photo Exhibition at d3, which cements Dubai’s position as an international leader for world photography whilst drawing attention to the growing pool of talent within the UAE. At d3, we’re committed to building a community dedicated to supporting creative talents from both the region and across the world and as such, honoured that Dubai Photo Exhibition will be taking place here.”

Dubai Photo Exhibition will bring together artworks from 23 countries, selected by 18 curators, and will celebrate the harmony and diversity of global photography on an unprecedented scale. Guided by the curatorial vision of Head Curator Zelda Cheatle and other world-renowned curators, including Natasha Egan (USA & Canada) and Devika Singh (India), visitors will experience the evolution of photography through a selection of artworks from the 20th and 21st century.

Countries and Curator Names:

Australia – Alasdair Foster
Belgium and Holland – Els Barents
Brazil – Iata Cannabrava
China -Huang Yihuang
Morocco & Egypt – Hicham Khalidi (Morocco) and Ayman Lotfy Mahmoud (Egypt)
France – Fannie Escoulen
Germany – Frank Wagner
Hungary and Czech Republic – Kincses Karoly
India – Devika Singh
Japan – Mariko Takeuchi
Korea – Sunhee Kim
Mexico – Magnolia de la Garza
South Africa – Federica Angelucci
Spain and Portugal – Dr. Jorge Calado
UAE – Jassim Al Awadhi
UK and Ireland – Martin Barnes
USA and Canada – Natasha Egan

Dubai Photo Exhibition will be created by HIPA to promote Dubai as a cultural hub, cultivate artistic appreciation for photography, foster dialogue locally and internationally, and to nurture photographic excellence through education. Prior to the opening of Dubai Photo Exhibition, HIPA will host its 5th Season Awards Ceremony (Happiness) on March 14th.