Cover Image Courtesy of Imane Djamil
Tasweer Project Award 2024
We are thrilled to announce the ten winners of the 2024 Tasweer Project Award grants –Ismail Zaidy, Imane Djamil, Tamara Abdul Hadi, Mohanad Hasan Kadhim Al Sudani, Mahmoud Abu Hamda, Shadi Nael Al-Tatabi, Wafaa Samir, Lina Geoushy, Adam Rouhana, Mosab Abushama.
The jury for this fourth year of Tasweer's annual grant are Maryam Wahid (Photographer and the Head of Program and Outreach at Tasweer Photography Festival); Meriem Berrada (Artistic director and Curator); Sami Abdullah Alramyan (Documentary Photographer and Head of “Photo Humanity Grant”); and Sheikha Maryam Hassan Al-Thani (Curator).
Ismail Zaidy, also known as L4artiste, is a 26-year-old photographer from Marrakesh, Morocco. He earned a degree in International Management from Cadi Ayad University in 2018. Ismail began his photography journey in 2017, inspired by his surroundings and creative influences. He specializes in abstract and minimalist styles, using a Samsung S5 for his work. With a mixed heritage—his father from Marrakesh and his mother from Oud Zem—family plays a crucial role in his creative process.
In 2018, Ismail launched the project '3aila,' which means 'family' in English, involving his younger siblings, Othmane (18) and Fatima (15). Together, they brainstorm and support each other's creative efforts. Ismail captures his photos in a studio called Sa3ada ('joyful') on their apartment terrace, often using props sourced from flea markets. His work addresses themes of family dynamics, including communication challenges and distance between loved ones, highlighting the importance of family as a precious and cherished aspect of life.
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Ismail Zaidy: 'Hope' from his project 'The Family'
Ismail Zaidy: 'In Touch' from the project 'The Family'
Ismail Zaidy: 'Fatimazohra' from the projcect 'The Family'
“ Ismail Zaidy, also known as L4artiste, is a young Moroccan photographer whose captivating images from his ongoing project "The Family" offer an intimate glimpse into the bonds between family members. Using a simple Samsung S5 phone, Zaidy works closely with his siblings in their makeshift "Saada Studio" on their rooftop—a space embodying their interpersonal family dynamics. His imagery captures the vibrant colour and light of Morocco, while his storytelling showcases his artistic vision and commitment to highlighting the significance of family. ”Sheikha Maryam Hassan Al Thani
Imane Djamil is a Moroccan storyteller and documentary photographer known for her photojournalistic projects that blend realism with a phantasmagoric touch. Her work often resembles docudramas, engaging viewers in deeply immersive narratives. Djamil's photography has been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Sharjah Biennale (2023), Bamako Biennale (2022), Landskrona Foto Festival in Sweden (2022), and the Middle East Institute in Washington DC (2022). Other exhibitions include Fondation CDG in Rabat (2021), Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden in Marrakech (2020), Casa Arabe in Madrid (2018), and Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris (2014).
She has contributed to major publications like the New York Times, Le Monde, Libération, and Reuters. In 2020, Djamil co-founded the KOZ collective with photographers M’hammed Kilito, Seif Kousmate, and Yasmine Hatimi. Born in 1996, she is based between Casablanca and Tarfaya, where she co-owns Cantará, a cultural and educational program.
Imane Djamil: '80 miles to Atlantis' from the project 'And the Lands Ground Against Each Other Until Their Dust Made the Sky Choke'
Imane Djamil: 'Slow Days in the Fortunate Isle' from the project 'And the Lands Ground Against Each Other Until Their Dust Made the Sky Choke'
Imane Djamil: 'Slow Days in the Fortunate Isle' from the project 'And the Lands Ground Against Each Other Until Their Dust Made the Sky Choke'
“ The project, And the Lands Ground Against Each Other Until Their Dust Made the Sky Choke, presented by Imane Djamil is an extraordinary series. The photographs explore environment, migration, and human experiences which provide a poignant reflection of today's society, informed by the weight of history. ”Maryam Wahid
Tamara Abdul Hadi and Roi Saade are interdisciplinary artists whose work delves into the intersections of photography, graphic design, and cultural representation. Tamara, an Iraqi photographer, explores both historic and contemporary representations of her diverse cultural heritage. Her focus is on marginalized voices, the hidden aspects of Orientalist narratives, and the evolving social and environmental landscapes of the Middle East. Her experience as an educator spans Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, Tunisia, and Canada. While her work has been widely published in mainstream media, she now prefers collaborating with independent entities. Abdul Hadi's debut monograph, Picture an Arab Man, was published in 2022 and her photographs have been exhibited globally.
Roi, an interdisciplinary artist, blends graphic design, photography, and the arts in his process based practice. His approach is rooted in collaborative efforts among artists, designers, and curators, complemented by thorough visual research and creative dialogue. Saade focuses on resisting systems of domination and inequality through his work, investigating collective memory and documenting both personal and community experiences. He designs and curates photography exhibitions, film festivals, and magazines, and specializes in book design, exploring the social and cultural meanings of images.
Together, Abdul Hadi and Saade navigate the complexities of visual culture, contributing to the dialogue on photographic representation and collective memory.
Tamara Abdul Hadi and Roi Saade: From the project 'Choreography of the Euphrates'
Tamara Abdul Hadi and Roi Saade: From the project 'Choreography of the Euphrates'
Tamara Abdul Hadi and Roi Saade: From the project 'Choreography of the Euphrates'
“ Tamara Abdul Hadi's practice takes shape in opposition to contemporary representations of the Middle East by bringing us into deep proximity to its inhabitants. "Choreography of the Euphrates" documents daily life on the riverbanks, capturing with accuracy its people and with vivid poetry the details of the place. Here, a frank smile, there a mesmerizing instant of complicity , and over there a house that stands proudly, seem to redefine the geography. By cultivating an understanding of documentary photography, particularly from a local perspective, Abdul Hadi invites us to see beyond the lens of violence and conflict while gathering a necessary archive of a region heavily threatened by climate change. ”Meriem Berrada
Muhannad Al Sudani, born in 1987 in Maysan, Iraq, began exploring photography at age 15 with a spontaneous approach. His artistic passion for photography was fully realized after university, leading him to study Film at the Iraqi Independent Film Center. Over three years of volunteering in filmmaking, he honed his skills, working as both a photographer and director of photography on three feature films and five documentaries. Additionally, he has directed photography for over 18 short films and earned 21 awards in photography and cinema. Muhannad has actively participated in various local, regional, and international festivals, exhibitions, and workshops.
Mohanad Hasan Kadhim Al Sudani: From the project 'The Marshlands (Alahwar)'
Mohanad Hasan Kadhim Al Sudani: From the project 'The Marshlands (Alahwar)'
Mohanad Hasan Kadhim Al Sudani: From the project 'The Marshlands (Alahwar)'
“ In evaluating photographic projects, we look for those that span both geographically and temporally, covering extensive areas and periods, and yielding benefits over time through the execution of the project. We seek for meaningful projects that lead us towards a better understanding and a better world. At its core, photography is a tool for awareness. The Marshlands photography project, with its distinctive monochrome style and the artistic treatment chosen by the photographer Muhannad Al-Sudani in selecting angles and composition, and the coherence of the images with each other, conveys the environmental significance of the project. We hope that this will serve as an important model in its artistic and substantive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of the new generation of photographers adopting national beneficial topics that contribute to raising awareness and encouraging specialists and officials to work on improving and addressing the situation. We wish the photographer Muhannad success in executing this photography project. ”Sami Alramyan
Mahmoud Abu Hamda is a professional photographer from Gaza City, known for his focus on landscape, portraiture, and capturing the beauty of life. Starting his photography journey a decade ago with a small pocket camera, Mahmoud's passion for the art form has grown significantly, influencing his personal life and professional career. His work highlights the unique aspects of the Gaza Strip, offering a fresh perspective on one of the world's most intense locations. Mahmoud's distinctive visual style reflects his deep artistic sense, developed through self-teaching and an intrinsic love for photography. He has created impactful works for various local and international organizations and has conducted numerous training workshops to enhance photographic skills within his community.
Mahmoud Abu Hamda: 'The Hope' from the project 'The Journey of Survival'
Mahmoud Abu Hamda: 'Fulfillment' from the project 'The Journey of Survival'
Mahmoud Abu Hamda: 'Prison Without Walls' from the project 'The Journey of Survival'
“ The Journey of Survival by Mahmoud Abu Hamda, in contrast, fills me with hope. His photographs of Gazan everyday life evoke a powerful sense of resilience and aspiration amidst the harsh realities they face daily. This year's selected projects highlighted the importance of technical skill, emotional impact, and narrative depth, with each image telling a unique and significant story. ”Maryam Wahid
Shadi Nael Al-Tabatiby is a photographer born in Gaza, Palestine. He has been passionate about photography since childhood. He began his journey in 2014, focusing on capturing beauty, nature, and street life in Gaza until 2019, Shadi transitioned to drone photography, where he has excelled in capturing architectural, natural, and urban landscapes. His innovative work in drone photography has earned him recognition and awards from both local and international institutions. Shadi continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling through his aerial perspective, offering unique insights into the world from above.
Shadi Nael Al-Tataby: 'Children struggle to survive and obtain food in the face of harsh challenges'
Shadi Nael Al-Tataby: 'An aerial photo depicting resilience and solidarity in the face of disasters'
Shadi Nael Al-Tataby: 'The beauty of color in life'
“ On the other hand, a project that was strong and expressive to me was Shadi Al-Tabatiby's aerial photographs. These images offer a unique vantage point of Gaza, presenting a stark yet essential view of its current state. Through his photographs, he captures the contemporary reality- juxtaposed with the rich cultural history that once flourished. His work highlights the enduring presence of humanity, illustrating that people have lived and continue to live in this land, despite the challenges they face. ”Maryam Wahid
Wafaa Samir is a photographer and visual artist based in Cairo, whose work delves into our connection with both external environments and internal emotions. Her photography alternates between these realms to explore their interplay and impact on personal identity. Wafaa holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Cairo (2013) and completed the Behna Independent Program for Visual Arts in 2022. She has exhibited her work widely across Egypt, Germany, Belgium, France, Dubai, the UK, and Spain. Notably, she received the Photography Award at the 26th Youth Salon in Cairo and her photos were featured on the official posters for the 1st Biennale Des Photographes du Monde Arabe and the Mooov Film Festival in 2015.
Wafaa Samir: From the project 'Inherited'
Wafaa Samir: From the project 'Inherited'
Wafaa Samir: From the project 'Inherited'
“ The Inherited project stands out for its vibrancy and beautiful cultural presence, highlighting the uniqueness of the local people in expressing their cultural and social heritage through murals on building walls. These murals serve as documentation and artistic expression of a prevailing social condition. The photographer's attention to such a social phenomenon and presenting it as a comprehensive body of work brings us back to the roots of the value and role of photography. In a world flooded with social media and the overwhelming variety of modern urban media content and similar lifestyles, it is crucial to highlight what distinguishes the character and culture of these authentic local communities, which is what impressed us about this project. The artistic style and beautiful process of this project have presented it in a visually stunning way. At Tasweer Award, we look forward to see a social and cultural body of work from photographer Wafaa in the final outputs of her photography project. ”Sami Alramyan
Lina Geoushy is an Egyptian visual artist and photographer, working across social documentary and portrait photography. She aims to tell stories that deconstruct and question the public's perception of the prevailing power of patriarchy. Her practice is research-led, and her projects are both self-initiated and commissioned. Her work largely explores social justice by focusing on gender socio-politics and women empowerment issues. Lina completed her MA in Photojournalism & Documentary Photography at the London College of Communication and graduated with distinction. She has been a recipient of numerous awards including the British Journal of Photography Female in Focus 2022. Lina was selected as one of the Foam Talents 2022, and she was awarded the Documentary Photographer of The Year 2019 by The Royal Photographic Society. Her work has been exhibited internationally, most notably at The Louis Roederer Discovery Award in Arles in 2023.
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Lina Geoushy: 'Self-portrait as Egyptian Student & Writer, Latifa Al-Zayyat, 2022' from the project 'Trailblazers'
Lina Geoushy: 'Self Portrait as Egyptian Physicist, Sameera Moussa, 2024' from the project 'Trailblazers'
Lina Geoushy: 'Self-portrait as Egyptian Military Volunteer, Ibtisamat Mohammad Abdullah, 2023' from the project 'Trailblazers'
“ Lina Geoushy's work challenges the prevailing historical narratives of Egyptian society. In her series "Trailblazers," she embodies eminent female figures whose names have been - largely -forgotten by History. Drawing from archives, the artist creates a performative practice that is Influenced Armenian Egyptian Photographer Van Leo. Influenced by the iconic actresses of Egyptian cinema's golden age, which shaped her visual culture despite the conservative representation of the 1990s, Geoushy imbues women philosophers, writers, and scientists with renewed aura and charisma. From the activist Doria Shafik to the lawyer Mufida Abdelrahman and the military volunteer Ibtisamat Abdullah, she retraces the (feminist) history of her home country. ”Meriem Berrada
Adam Rouhana (b. 1991, Boston, MA) is a Palestinian-American artist and photographer based between Jerusalem and London. Rouhana’s photography works to deconstruct Orientalism through his subjective lens within the broader context of Palestine. Through his investigations, he questions his positionality as a Palestinian behind the camera, both as Westerner, having grown up in America, and as Arab. Rouhana received his master’s from the University of Oxford.
Through the introduction of new narratives, Rouhana’s work embraces themes of the past to create a contemporary Palestinian visuality characterized by representations of Palestinian lives that embody an active ethic of self-determination. He is often inspired by scenes of his grandmother’s fruit orchard and domestic life from his early memories in Palestine. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Aperture, and Dazed.
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Adam Rouhana: From the project 'Before Freedom'
Adam Rouhana: From the project 'Before Freedom'
Adam Rouhana: From the project 'Before Freedom'
“ Adam Rouhana, a Palestinian-American photographer, captures the often-ignored nuances of daily life in Palestine through his portraits that blend documentary and art. His work showcases the dissonance between the inherent beauty of everyday moments and the oppressive presence of soldiers, fences, and observation towers. From a boy's symbolic act of devouring a watermelon to the complex realities of existence under occupation, Rouhana's images aim to create new representations that go beyond stereotypical and conflict-focused narratives. Through his photography, he seeks to understand, question, and capture the essence of a homeland that remains out of reach. ”Sheikha Maryam Hassan Al Thani
Mosab Abushama, based in Sudan, is a street photographer passionate about documenting the lives of others and collecting their stories. This year, he embarked on a personal documentation project of his own life. However, when the war broke out, he found himself documenting a conflict whose origins and end remain unknown. What started as a hobby in photography evolved into various forms, but a pivotal shift occurred after connecting with fellow photographers and participating in local workshops like TOV. These experiences significantly influenced both his visual storytelling and the narratives behind his captured images. Living through war, he has witnessed every facet of its ugliness and beauty. His photography style has shifted, mirroring the impact of these experiences. Participating in Tasweer is a significant opportunity for him as a documentary photographer to convey stories through images that speak the truth and capture the profound changes unfolding in people's lives.
Mosab Abushama: From the project 'Tadween'
Mosab Abushama: From the project 'Tadween'
Mosab Abushama: From the project 'Tadween'
“ Mosab Abushama, a passionate street photographer from Sudan, presents his powerful ongoing project "Tadween." Amidst the unimaginable reality of war in his homeland, Abushama documents the profound impact of the conflict on the lives of Sudanese citizens. As he states, "Never did I imagine a day when my homeland (Sudan) would be plunged into war, or that I would live in a war-torn region." Through his compelling images, Abushama captures the resilience and adaptability of people coexisting with war, exploring how the conflict has affected their way of life and showcasing both the ugliness and beauty that emerge from adversity. ”Sheikha Maryam Hassan Al Thani