The tenth edition of the Sharjah International Photography Festival, “Xposure,” launched today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council. The festival, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, promises a compelling exploration of visual storytelling and its impact on our understanding of the world. This year’s theme, “A Decade of Visual Storytelling,” underscores the festival’s decade-long commitment to celebrating the art of photography and filmmaking, attracting over 420 photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists from more than 60 countries.
A Decade of Celebrating Visual Narratives: Xposure 2024 Unveiled
The opening ceremony, held at Aljada, began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a captivating visual presentation. This presentation powerfully conveyed the essence of Xposure, emphasizing that photography transcends mere artistic practice; it’s a vital tool for comprehending and interacting with the world around us. The visuals showcased the power of images to challenge perceptions, reshape consciousness, and evoke the human dimension of complex issues, positioning the photograph as a tool for thought and influence, not simply a detached visual product.
During the inauguration, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, highlighted that Xposure marks ten years of honoring photography. He noted that the festival has become a prominent artistic and knowledge hub, attracting 1461 photographers and showcasing 10440 printed photographs over the years. Allay emphasized that photography, within the context of the festival, isn’t merely a skill or technique, but fundamentally a human art form.
The Power of the Image in a Digital Age
Allay posed a crucial question in the age of algorithmic image generation: “Is the image merely a result, or a complete story? Is it what we see, or what we feel afterward?” He reflected on the past decade, stating, “We have seen the world through the lenses of photographers, witnessing war and peace, pain and survival, moments of strength and fragility. We’ve seen it in a child’s face, a mother’s silence, and a worker’s exhaustion.” He further added that images have captured the beauty of nature, the diversity of cultures, and the richness of nations, alongside critical issues like environmental concerns, poverty, and global challenges.
He stressed that the true value of an image lies not in its technical perfection or speed of production, but in its impact and depth of meaning. “The true value of an image stems from the intention of its creator, not the tools used to produce it. Technology can master form, but it is the human element that gives the image its soul,” Allay explained. He concluded by emphasizing the need for images that awaken consciousness and heal the spirit, reaffirming Xposure’s mission to provide a space for human stories and build bridges between perspectives.
Athens as Guest of Honor: A Cultural Exchange
The festival also welcomed Athens as its Guest of Honor. Harris Doukas, the Mayor of Athens, delivered a speech highlighting the power of photography as a universal language, capable of transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. He emphasized that Athens’ participation in Xposure represents a valuable opportunity for exchanging expertise, fostering artistic and educational collaboration, and building sustainable connections between cities, photographers, and communities.
Doukas stated, “We are proud to participate in the tenth edition of the festival with a collection of artworks by Greek artists. This platform allows us to exchange experiences and build partnerships based on creativity and knowledge.” He further noted that photography allows us to see what might otherwise remain hidden and hear voices that might otherwise go unheard, reinforcing its ability to promote mutual understanding and cultural accessibility.
Inspiring Sessions and Artistic Exploration
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi attended the opening sessions, including “Visual Stories That Change Everything,” featuring Sanford R. Kleiman and moderated by Chris Fayed. Kleiman underscored that Xposure is more than just an event; it’s a vibrant community that breathes visual storytelling, uniting creators around shared values of education, inspiration, and impact. He highlighted the role of photography and filmmaking in preserving the world’s memory and documenting social and cultural transformations.
Another session, “Visual Dialogue: Human Stories from the Perspective of Modern Art and Contemporary Photography,” featured Sheikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qasimi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, and renowned photographer Mohammed Mahisen. The discussion explored the intersection of art and photography in documenting human experiences. Mahisen emphasized the ethical responsibility of photographers to approach their subjects with respect and dignity, believing that photography should be a human act before a professional practice.
His Highness also toured the festival grounds, visiting the Athens pavilion, the “Big Heart” Foundation exhibit, and the “Nasheea Sharjah” display, showcasing creative works from across the emirate. The festival features 95 exhibitions displaying over 3,200 artworks, and the “Xposure International Photography Awards 2026” received an impressive 29,000 submissions in photography and 634 in film from 60 countries.
Xposure 2024 promises to be a landmark event, continuing its legacy of celebrating the power of visual storytelling and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. The festival runs until February 4th, offering a rich program of exhibitions, talks, workshops, and networking opportunities for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s an event not to be missed for anyone passionate about the art of seeing and the stories that shape our world.
