Arabian horse and hunting falcon — two important elements of Arab culture and heritage — are the subject of a new virtual exhibition launched yesterday by the Katara Art Centre. Titled “Drinkers of the Wind”, the exhibition showcases unique poetic photographic portraits by prominent photographer Tariq Dajani, reflecting his profound interest in Islamic and Middle Eastern traditions. Born in England to a Palestinian father and an English mother, Dajani spent much of his life moving between Europe and the Middle East which brought him a deep understanding and appreciation of varied cultures reflected on how he views and relates to the world around him.
Over the years, the artist has been able to find and develop his own artistic style in photography which projects truth and emotion that can be felt by everyone who encounters his photographs and are evident in this new solo exhibition. Dajani has attained wide acclaim for his distinctive style which exudes classical realism and intellectual depth he achieves by photographing his subjects with an intent not merely to document them but to bring out their personality and being. Looking at the eight photographs on show, one can observe the seasoned artist’s unparalleled mastery in capturing on the lens the very essence of the horses and falcons’ ethos which he has perfected with many years of experience in his art practice.
The photos on display have been produced as limited edition prints, each of which is signed and numbered by the artist. Dajani’s artworks have been widely exhibited in different countries and are included in several private art collections. His prints of horses and falcons are widely admired and are owned by art lovers around the world, including a number of royal and ruling families in the Middle East. He now lives on a rural, organic farm in Galicia, northwestern Spain, with his wife, and a family of Arabian horses and Saluki dogs. He teaches photography and photogravure printmaking courses in his century-year old farmhouse studio