Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani: An Intimate Geography - The Modern Middle Eastern Society

The Absolute Man is proud to share with you an interview with Saudi Arabian visual artist Abdulaziz AlQahtani whose exhibition 'An Intimate geography' is being displayed at the Lahd gallery in London. This anthropology reveals a dark privacy and daily interactions of Middle Eastern society with in the West. The exhibition certainly strikes the viewer with the expressive, thought provoking and intricate in depth consideration. Together with fashion pieces (leather biker jackets) in which he finds a means to channel his message. 

Aziz tell us about yourself?

I am a 24 year old Saudi living in London. I am in my final year studying a double degree BA in Visual Communications at the American Intercontinental University London – in collaboration with London South Bank University. I am a Visual Artist, my work involves photography, illustration, graphic design & painting.  Part time, I design clothes, limited edition custom made jackets and fashionable pieces as well

  Aziz Al-Qahtani and Nauf Bendar Al-Saud who runs Lahd gallery

Your solo exhibition 'An intimate geography’ at the Lahd gallery touched upon evident social taboos in the Middle East, what was the inspiration behind it?

The inspiration has been more of a growing process throughout the years of seeing how people visualize us Middle Easterners as mere extremists and terrorists, and forgetting the fact that we are human - Aside from that meeting and socializing with new people inspires me a lot; the talk, laugh, perfumes, body language…. all that inspires me.

What are the challenges you faced during the photo-shoots?

Arrangements, timing and arranging the models. As an artist you need to be the energy booster and the director. It is also about knowing when to be hard or gentle on models to get-out what an artist sees in them during the shoot session, because some models are not very aware of their capabilities  or are not always fully capturing a concept an artist is trying to convey

Which photograph was your favorite ? and why?

That's a difficult question, as there is a specific element that I like in each photograph. However, I would say the bride & groom photograph is my favorite.

The exhibition displayed military and biker jackets with studs and paintings, are you looking to pursue a career in fashion?

My horizon is open. I have been designing custom made/one piece jackets and thankfully my customers reactions have been positive which prompted me to do more. I also have a new series of limited edition t-shirts coming out soon but I'd rather design limited edition pieces rather than mass produce. I think it gives more value and meaning to the piece which is why I think people are drawn to my designs.  

What advice do you have for up and coming artists like yourself?

I would say be different, look within yourself to find the different ‘YOU’ that makes you stand out, and make sure you have a peaceful acceptance of it, by then you will be a creator not a copy-paste type of person.

Images via Lahd gallery & The Absolute Man, for more information click here