Wednesday 16 / July / 2025
MUSCAT: In a groundbreaking moment for Omani contemporary art, photographer Abdulaziz Al Hosni has become the first artist from Oman to be featured in the prestigious La Nuit de l’Année (‘Night of the Year’) at Les Rencontres d’Arles, one of the world’s foremost photography festivals.
Held annually in the historic city of Arles in southern France since 1970, the festival is a global stage for visual storytelling, drawing artists, critics, and curators from around the world.
Al Hosni’s photographic series, “Qalb Mahmood,” was projected on July 12 as part of the open-air showcase that defines La Nuit de l’Année, captivating audiences with its rich cinematic palette and deeply emotive narrative.
Originally commissioned by WePresent, the creative arm of WeTransfer, “Qalb Mahmood” explores themes of inner reflection and emotional authenticity. With staged compositions, poetic symbolism, and vibrant colors, the series guides viewers through a personal yet universally resonant journey of emotional truth.
The work first gained international acclaim during Al Hosni’s solo exhibition at Melkweg Expo in Amsterdam in November 2024. Its inclusion in Arles not only cements its impact but elevates its reach: the project has also been selected for the festival’s “Best Of” programme, now on view at the Ancien Collège Mistral from July 14 through the close of the festival.
Al Hosni’s participation represents a significant cultural milestone, introducing Omani perspectives to a wider global audience and contributing to the evolving narrative of photography from the Arabian Peninsula.
