El Mehdi Kharbouch: Remnants of a Picnic

Tasweer Single Image Award 2026

We are thrilled to announce the twenty winners of the Tasweer Single Image Award 2026: Abdullatif Alnaemi, Ahad Alshamari, Amna Marafi, Avijit Biswas, Bahaaeldin Elgamal, El Mehdi Kharbouch, Elsie Haddad, Hazim Elhag, Hisham Naeem, Maram Elkhashab, Mariam Hassan, Mohammed Aljassem, Mohammed Gharib, Najla Said, Noora Mohammed Al-Henzab, Rania Deabes, Reem Al-Badr, Satti, Yousef Fatehallah, and Yousef Naser.

The jurors for this sixth year of Tasweer’s Single Image Award were: Dr. Issam Nassar (Professor of History and Head of Program at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies); Linda Al Khoury (Photographer, Curator, and Founder of Darat Al Tasweer and Image Festival – Amman); and Raneen Bukhari (Curator and Advocate for the Arts).

Tasweer Awards 2026 Jurors

“ An elderly man sits quietly in front of an old mosque in Souq Waqif, Doha. Bathed in warm sunlight, the scene reflects a deep connection between people, memory, and place. The traditional architecture and minaret emphasize the cultural identity, while his gaze suggests a lifetime of stories shaped by time and experience. ”

Abdullatif Alnaemi

“ The photograph captures the interior of an abandoned space through the voyeuristic perspective of a broken doorway, creating a palpable sense of surveillance and tension. At the center of the composition sits a small doll, hunched over on a low platform, as though carrying the lingering traces of an absent human presence. Scattered, neglected objects further reinforce the notion of time suspended. The restrained lighting reveals only fragments of the space while leaving the rest submerged in darkness, producing a striking visual contrast that intensifies the atmosphere of mystery and horror. Cool blue tones dominate the scene, adding a psychological dimension that evokes isolation and unease. Visually associated with ambiguity and uncertainty, this palette deepens the emotional impact of the image, making the space appear suspended outside of time while preserving the haunting imprint of an unseen human presence that stirs both anxiety and curiosity. ”

Ahad Alshamari

“ Like Two Ships reflects on the quiet intersections between personal and collective memory, and the timeless search for direction. The photograph frames traditional dhows suspended in haze, vessels once tied to pearl diving and the rhythms that shaped Qatar’s early economy. The artist’s grandfather briefly worked aboard one of these vessels in his youth. Though the treasures being pursued today may no longer be the same, the impulse to search endures across generations. Through atmosphere and distance, the photograph explores how individual paths, like those of ships at sea, may appear solitary while still moving toward unseen points of connection. ”

Amna Marafi

“ Between explores a fleeting moment of coexistence between generations within a traditional urban environment. In the stillness of an ordinary afternoon, elderly men sit quietly while children move through the frame dressed in symbols of a rapidly globalizing world. The image reflects the subtle tension between memory and transformation, stillness and movement, heritage and evolving identity. Rather than presenting conflict, the photograph observes a quiet continuity — a shared space where different eras briefly intersect. Through light, gesture, and atmosphere, the work contemplates how cultural identity slowly reshapes itself across time and everyday life. ”

Avijit Biswas

“ From a striking bird’s-eye perspective, this image captures the Nile’s vibrant duality, where golden aquatic flora meets the river’s deep, rhythmic heart. While the painterly colors are captivating, the true depth lies in the two young figures below. To a passerby, their splashing looks like a carefree summer swim, yet it is a delicate dance between play and necessity. For these boys, the river is both playground and provider. This high-angle lens transforms a traditional harvest into a story of resilience, showing how Egypt’s lifeblood sustains its youngest generation in the most literal sense. ”

Bahaaeldin Elgamal

“ This work is built around a visual composition that brings together an old family photograph and a contemporary landscape from southern Morocco. Today, the site appears as a barren space, where only the traces of withered trees and the memories associated with the place remain. Through this work, El Mehdi Kharbouch seeks to reconstruct a personal and collective relationship with place—not as a fixed document, but as a space of memory and reimagination. The family photograph functions as an incomplete archive: faded and fragmented, reflecting the fragility of memory and the way it gradually erodes over time. The work relies on the contrast between black-and-white and color imagery, and between past and present, to express loss and the enduring imprint that the disappearance of the place leaves on collective memory. ”

El Mehdi Kharbouch

“ I went back to south Lebanon many times after the ceasefire with Israel was announced in November 2024, which was repeatedly broken. I needed to see the destruction with my own eyes, to understand the damage that Israel left behind. I was searching for closure, though it always felt fleeting, a fragile peace haunted by the memory of the Israeli invasion in ’82. On my last journey, in Nabatieh, I met G.S. He spoke of his family home—once celebrated in books about heritage and memory—now reduced to dust. Nothing remained. Standing before the ruins of his village, he held himself with quiet dignity, almost as if posing in a studio. In his gaze, I saw something beyond loss: a quiet act of resistance. Perhaps this is how we endure, by standing in the rubble, and refusing to disappear. ”

Elsie Haddad

“ Two boys sit amid a sandstorm in the village of Aklla, near Kassala State in Sudan. Behind them, a tent and trees sway under the force of strong winds and blowing sand. The photograph was taken on 24 July 2016 during the summer season, when the region experiences frequent dust storms that reduce visibility and significantly affect the daily lives of its residents. In response to the harsh winds, local communities have traditionally built their homes using flexible architectural techniques designed to withstand the force of the wind and recurring storms. The image also reflects the effects of desertification and water scarcity in the area, where vast sand dunes have overtaken large stretches of land, illustrating the severity of the environment and the ongoing challenges faced by the local population in their everyday lives. ”

Hazim Elhag

“ This photograph was taken in the village of Al-Maraziq, in Giza, Egypt. Fishing is the art of patience and contemplation of nature. It brings together the tranquility and peace of standing by the shore with the excitement of the struggle between the angler and the fish, making it a pastime for those seeking peace of mind. It has been described as "the finest livelihood," offering a sense of serenity at dawn when casting a line into the water, while embodying the timeless wisdom: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The joy of fishing has been described as follows: "At dawn, as the sun paints the sky with light, I sit by the shore with a joyful heart. The sea stretches before me, the waves tell their stories, and the fishing rod in my hand carries hope." Fishing and peace of mind are inseparable: "Fishing is the hobby of those who have mastered patience." ”

Hisham Naeem

“ This photograph captures a moment in which worship and work coexist, where the search for livelihood unfolds alongside the hardships of everyday life upon the calm surface of the river. The image depicts a group of fishermen gathered in closely aligned boats, as though they were chapters of a single story. Each boat carries a person suspended between hardship and peace, between striving and stillness. Rendered in black and white, the photograph strips away visual distractions to reveal its human essence. The rippling water becomes a silent witness to patience, dignity, and perseverance in labor. More than a document of daily life, the image is a visual meditation on the profound relationship between people and place, and on the quiet sacredness found within ordinary moments. The photograph was taken in Burullus, Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. ”

Maram Elkhashab

“ This photograph documents an Indian woman inside a historic stepwell in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, as she moves gracefully along a series of repeating architectural steps that embody the site's distinctive heritage. The vivid red of her clothing contrasts strikingly with the warm sandy tones of the structure, making her a compelling focal point within the harmonious geometric rhythm of the composition. The intersecting lines of the stairways guide the viewer's eye through the image, creating a dynamic visual flow, while the golden light and deep shadows add richness, depth, and drama. The photograph reflects the relationship between people and place, capturing a simple everyday moment that speaks to identity, the continuity of tradition, and the beauty found in daily life. It is a visual narrative where architectural heritage and human presence come together to create a powerful and evocative story. ”

Mariam Hassan

“ Dignity is a state of inner strength, self-respect, and moral elevation, free from arrogance or conceit. It is the ability to stand firm in the face of challenges while preserving one's principles and dignity, no matter how difficult the circumstances. Dignity is revealed through steadfastness in times of hardship and the ability to endure with patience while maintaining respect for oneself and for others. It is a harmonious blend of strength, composure, and self-confidence. A dignified person is not easily broken. Instead, they learn from life's experiences and continue their journey with determination and faith. Dignity is not expressed through loud words or outward appearances, but through honorable conduct and sincere actions. It is an inner quality that inspires respect and quiet authority, making a person a role model for patience, resilience, and grace under pressure. ”

Mohammed Aljassem

“ A woman stands quietly in front of a vivid blue wall in Gharb Soheil, Aswan, holding handmade accessories she sells to visitors passing through the village. Surrounded by geometric shapes, windows, and strong color contrasts, her presence becomes part of the space itself rather than separated from it. The image reflects a quiet moment from everyday life in Nubia, where color, architecture, and human presence exist in subtle harmony. Through a calm and minimal composition, the photograph explores themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional relationship between people and the environments they inhabit. ”

Mohammed Gharib

“ Never Too Many is a meditation on community. Four bodies converge on a single vehicle, collapsing the space between them. This composition reimagines the common Cairo scene of families sharing motorcycle rides, emphasizing the unity found in sisterhood. The image recontextualizes this scene, reframing sisterhood as collective endurance. Here, the motorbike becomes a symbol of collective empowerment. Part of the series Sister, Oh Sister, a photographic series exploring a first-person account of the experience of womanhood in Cairo. The series recontextualizes extracted elements within the Egyptian vernacular culture, in order to create alternative representations of womanhood. ”

Najla Said

“ This photograph captures a fleeting moment of childhood, shaped by the striking contrast between light and shadow. The child's silhouette against the bright sunlight creates a sense of mystery while emphasizing movement and a spirit of curiosity. The trees and branches naturally frame the scene, guiding the viewer's eye toward the glowing light in the background. What drew Noora Mohammed Al-Henzab to this moment was the balance between freedom and stillness. The natural light gives the photograph a nostalgic and cinematic quality, while shooting on film made the process more intentional, highlighting texture, softness, and the beauty of natural imperfections. Noora Mohammed Al-Henzab sees this photograph as a reflection of memory, showing how simple moments can appear timeless when captured through light. ”

Noora Mohammed Al-Henzab

“ Every summer, Egypt's Fayoum Governorate welcomes visitors heading to Lake Qarun, a popular destination known for its free or affordable beaches. Here, families gather in moments that blend joy with tranquility. Along the lakeshore, stories intersect without ever truly meeting. A man gazes into the distance, a child watches with eyes full of wonder, and a face carries countless unspoken emotions. In the background, life continues to unfold; laughter mingles with the sound of the water and the movement of passing visitors. In the foreground, however, silence settles over the family, each person absorbed in their own private world. The physical distances between them seem small, yet they are filled with emotions and words left unspoken. The scene remains still, while the smallest details move quietly within it. Every moment holds layers of silence and meaning. ”

Rania Deabes

“ A solitary man sits on the pier, dressed in traditional attire, gazing at a motionless cruise ship across the horizon. The scene to me carries a quiet sense of longing as shown by his gaze fixed on the sea, the same sea that once sustained generations before him through pearl diving. There is both attachment and distance in this moment: the water that shaped his ancestors now carries symbols of a different world. The juxtaposition between his timeless clothing and the modern ship hints at the meeting of past and present, where heritage endures even as the tide brings change. ”

Reem Al-Badr

“ Framed through an old wooden window, the photograph captures a vibrant public gathering filled with color, movement, and human connection. The contrast between the dark interior and the bright outdoor scene creates a transition between silence and life. Women dressed in colorful traditional garments become symbols of identity and cultural richness. The window acts as both a physical and symbolic frame, inviting the viewer to witness an authentic moment from Sudanese daily life. Through light, composition, and color, the image reflects the beauty of community, tradition, and the enduring spirit of the Sudanese people. ”

Satti

“ As we grow older, loss becomes part of our daily lives and an inherent part of the human experience. Immortality was never meant for human beings, no matter how much they strive to attain it. This photograph portrays the late father of the artist, Yousef Fathallah. It was captured on film using natural light. At first glance, it may appear to be a photograph about grief or death itself. In reality, however, it serves as a reminder of life, of what we have, and of everything we stand to lose. Yousef Fathallah believes that anything can occupy that frame: a person, a memory, a feeling, or even a dream. ”

Yousef Fatehallah

“ This work documents Uncle Youssef, a 93-year-old man from Esna in Upper Egypt, who is one of the oldest remaining craftsmen practicing the endangered profession of the "Man's Iron" (Makwat Al-Ragol). Despite the physical demands of the craft and the availability of modern alternatives, he continues to practice it as both a refuge and a hobby that helps him confront the passage of time. The composition highlights his remarkable resilience. In the background hangs a rare photograph of him with the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a source of enduring pride that he continues to cherish. The photograph captures a deeply human moment that resists oblivion, documenting the life of an Egyptian craftsman who has remained devoted to both his profession and his memories in the face of the rapid changes transforming Upper Egypt. ”

Yousef Naser