Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Organized by AMUSE and sponsored by Tamer Group, Saeed Group and Lallo restaurant  ‘4 Eyes, 2 Lenses’ photography exhibition was launched at Kondakji Atelier in Jeddah on Wednesday.



Italian and American photojournalists Roberta Fedele and Miki Turner came together for the photography exhibition that showcased their journey and vision of Saudi Arabia.



Fedele displayed a selection of pictures she took for Saudi newspapers that were taken in Najran, Madain Saleh and Jeddah. She said some of the most fascinating aspects of the country alternated between modernity and tradition.



“These areas abound in desert oasis, volcanic areas, traditional souks and Bedouin settlements preserving the flavors of the past and of the nomadic life on the backdrop of the country’s modernization.



What I find particularly charming is also the proliferation in the country of historical and archaeological sites that I did my best to capture through some of the photographs on display tonight. You will see for instance stone circles and rock engravings that can be traced back to the Neolithic period.



These kinds of sites have been identified all over the desert valleys of Saudi Arabia but thousands still remain unexplored,” Fedele added.



In an opening and spiritual farewell speech by Fedele, she narrated her memorable journey of eight long years in Saudi Arabia and expressed sadness as it came to an end. “I thought that sharing some of the photographs with you that I took during this journey would be an ideal and auspicious way to say goodbye.”



Fedele, who is also a co-founder of AMUSE, a social platform that engages cultural arts and dialogue decided to organize the photography exhibition as a tribute to her life spent in Saudi Arabia.



“It is particularly true for me in this case. I arrived in Saudi at a young age and here I have my life, family and friends, I found my career path and discovered a different culture and society that I’ve learned to love. So each picture is more than a simple shot. It’s a real-life painting of my journey.”



Fedele spent the last few years as a journalist with Arab News and Saudi Gazette. “I started to take pictures for the Saudi dailies to accompany my articles because I realized the importance of the visual component in the success of a story.



Whenever my articles were associated with pictures or videos the interest in the story was much higher and people were more likely to go through the article. I think this happens because images are often more eloquent than words in narrating reality and the societies we live in.” Fedele’s love for photography grew overtime even though it began as a job.



It helped her realize the potential that lies beyond just shooting an angle through a lens. “Especially when I realized, to my surprise, that photography was contributing to strengthen my capacity to observe the world around me and be open to what happens in the present moment.



To take good photographs you have to develop awareness of your surroundings and be able to capture the right scene in the least expected moment.



When you take pictures you are completely absorbed in your activity and you think of nothing else. In this sense, I like to think of photography as a way of meditation, a way of zen.



Your focus is on the image and nothing else seems to matter. You lose yourself in the moment.” Turner shared some of her prized photos at the exhibit and said Jeddah is one of her favorite places regardless of what people think “back home.”



Turner said she made great friends on her first trip to Saudi Arabia and fell in love with it. “Miki Turner’s enthusiasm and sensitivity shine through her photographs and the spontaneous gestures and moments she was able to capture especially in Al Balad and Corniche,” Fedele added.



On an ending note, Fedele thanked her loving husband Simone and Saudi Gazette’s editor at large Khaled Al Maeena along with her colleagues for their continued support. 



“I want to thank you for having welcomed me in your team during these years. You gave me the unique chance to grow at a professional and human level, to assess my skills and to look at this country and its people from different angles. For this and for your love and support I will always be grateful.”



Fedele is ready for her upcoming journey but not without Saudi Arabia that has become her second home. “I hope that Saudi Arabia will continue to be part of my life through AMUSE, a cultural association promoting arts and intercultural dialogue that I have recently founded.”



The event proved to be a full-house show, with well wishers, friends, media personalities and socialites in attendance to bid her farewell but only to welcome her back again.



“I agree with American photographer Ansel Adams when he says that you don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” Roberta Fedele