One to watch - Cityscaping
Photographer Toufic Araman has an eye for urbanism. His images capture the life of the ever-changing city of Dubai.
Born in Lebanon, raised in Egypt, Toufic Araman has experienced some of the regions greatest cultural hubs before his move to Dubai. Contrary to some artists who find the citys futuristic urban landscape a little too raw for their aesthetic sensitivities, Araman grabbed his camera and embarked on a journey that was to take him from canvas to celluloid. In a short time, his lens has captured images of Dubai that can only be described as iconic. Bursting with colour and clarity, from panoramas to portraits, landscapes to detail, Araman is uncovering the soul of the city.
Winner of the Gulf Photo Plus 2006 award, Araman recently spent 10 glorious days in Russia, courtesy of the contests sponsor, HP. While he finds the historical cities of the world fertile sources of inspiration, his work constantly returns to Dubai. I always use Dubai as my platform, he says as he dismisses the popular accusation that Dubai is a city without culture. Over the last five years, Dubai is gaining more and more exposure on the international arts scene. Look at New York City - it didnt have a soul 100 years ago. Now look at it! Talking of the US, Araman is set to expand his horizons with a couple of projects on the other side of the pond, the experience of which will help him stage his exhibition around the Western perception of Arab culture in March of next year.
While Araman is trained in Fine Art, he threw away the palette and paintbrush for something that could help him better express his vision of Dubai. This is not a place to paint, he says. The pace of life is extremely fast. You get into a cycle which pushes you to produce. Painting needs isolation whereas photography is more out there and interactive. Araman sees himself as an artist/communicator who uses the process and product of photographic practice to express, confront and converse with his public.
The freedom of expression he explores through his work is now being harnessed for the benefit of an ever-growing list of corporate clients, as he invigorates the visual presentation of brands and products with his signature power and energy. Araman staged his first public photographic exhibition at More Caf in Garhoud late last year. Since then, his career has moved into fifth gear.
From Ropes to Acrylic depicted Dubai in a totally new light. Printed on clear Perspex and hung on steel wires, the rawness of the display added to his ultra-modern photographic portrayal of the city.
Constantly scouring Dubai for inspiration and subject matter, Araman says, I dont define myself as any thing more than an observer; I dont give solutions, I simply reflect. The still ness of a single shot; its construction and impact is what continues to fire his passion. While technique plays a major role in the final product, it is the actual photographic process which energises Araman. It is when you are able to view the world from all sides and perspectives that you acquire that gentle touch of art, which reflects your deep belonging to humanity in general. Above and Below Shots from From Ropes to Acrylic held at More Caf, Garhoud in 2005.