Freezing Time: Reem Al Faisal’s Visual Journey
Fine art and documentary photographer, Reem Al Faisal, explores the spiritual dimension with black and white prints which seek to show signs of divinity in nature and humanity
What was a career-defining moment for you?
There hasn’t been one career-defining moment, rather, gradual moments. Several moments of shifts and turns in my career. Photography itself sort of perfected my knowledge of humanity basically.
From your perspective, how strong is the storytelling power of photography?
Photography is very strong. I consider it more than storytelling. It can deal with the better meaning of things – smaller things and the psychological aspect. In fact, photography can be misleading or manipulative. If you want to give a certain meaning but you let the environment around you express that, then you can go into a deeper meaning and this is the closest thing to poetry, which also plays on emotion.
What do you think informs the visual beauty of Saudi?
The visual beauty of Saudi Arabia can be seen in any place. It’s a country of extremes – in the sense that the land is very harsh. There is no softness in the land of Saudi Arabia. But there is extreme beauty between the deserts, oasis and the mountains, which can be overwhelming. It’s very clear and there is nothing hidden.
Who inspires you?
My inspiration comes from many things – from poets and philosophers to history and the events in my life, to personalities all over history including artists and leaders.
If time could stand still like a photograph, which moment would you freeze?
Oh I would love to be in Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in Medina (peace be upon him) – that to me is unimaginable. I probably wouldn’t even photograph it, it would be too intense. But there are many moments in history I would like to freeze.
Seeing your achievements now, what would you say to your younger self?
Don’t look back and don’t have regrets because whatever hardship I went through made my life richer. To always look forward.
If we could truly see the world through your eyes, what would we learn?
You would see the world for all its beauty and amazement from all over. I’m more interested in the spiritual side of the world, and I can deal with the experience of this side. I would love that you see the impact of spirituality.
What dream do you have for your future?
I don’t like to imagine the future, but I would like to discover. I see myself as a wanderer, and take things as they come like an adventure. I hope I have the ability to appreciate and learn from it.
A bridge in China’s Yunnan province. Photo by Reem Al Faisal
Image courtesy of Reem Al Faisal
From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Summer Issue 2021