US photographer's book unveils beauty of Saudi Arabia's Diriyah
Two years ago, acclaimed
American portrait photographer Bobby Sager found himself in the historic center
of Diriyah, Riyadh, initially for a brief project. Despite his initial
reluctance, he ended up staying for an extended 72 days, captivated by the rich
history of the Kingdom's first capital. This experience has culminated in his
latest book, "Diriyah: Face to Face," published by Rizzoli.
In an interview from his base in Boston, Sager describes the book as an intimate portrait of an extraordinary place, highlighting the unique intimacy he felt during his extensive stay. The focus was not merely on the architectural wonder of Diriyah but delving into the lives that have unfolded within its walls.
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Sager's lens captured
cityscapes and close-ups, exploring the intricate details of the mud walls,
stairways, and geometric windows. He aimed to convey the humanity of Diriyah,
showcasing its stories rather than just its physical structures. His
inspiration stems from the challenge of translating the essence of the place
through his lens.
Known for his work in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Palestine, and Rwanda, where he focuses on capturing the eyes of individuals from diverse backgrounds, Sager sees photography as a means of connecting with people and expressing shared humanity. The Diriyah project, while different from his usual work, aligns with this overarching theme.
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Here are some highlights from
Sager's discussion of selected images from "Diriyah: Face to Face":
'Being Human':
Reflecting an exhibition in Ras Al-Khaimah in 2023, Sager draws parallels
between his usual portrait work and the Diriyah project, emphasizing the common
thread of exploring humanity.
'Greenery': Capturing the trees next to the buildings in Diriyah, Sager reflects on the city's founding and the community's connection to the natural world, using earth's resources to create a vibrant city.
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'Kissing Face': A
close-up of mud faces in Diriyah prompts viewers to commit time and be present
to appreciate the intricate details. The image depicts an interaction between
two mud faces, emphasizing the reminder that real people lived there.
'Shadows': The image of
Diriyah's landscape built 300 years ago exudes moodiness with the play of
shadows, evoking a sense of time passing and highlighting the changing face of
the mud structures in different light.
'Window': Showcasing a triangular window, this shot conveys the lived-in feel of Diriyah at nighttime, capturing the ingenuity of the detailed architecture and making viewers sense the presence of people.
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'Sentinel': A striking
mud face, dramatically different and larger than usual, commands attention and
serves as a powerful representation of Diriyah's unique features.
'Stairway': The
captivating image of a stairway serves as a visual introduction to the book,
inviting readers to explore the pages and climb into the essence of Diriyah.
Bobby Sager's "Diriyah: Face to Face" provides a compelling glimpse into the heart of Diriyah, showcasing the photographer's commitment to capturing the humanity and stories embedded in this historic city.
Source: Arab News
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