In the photography of Abdulaziz Al-Hosni (Instagram), time folds in on itself. The past, with its muted pastels and hazy textures, converges with the sharpness of the present, creating what he describes as a “nostalgic and futuristic utopia.” His work feels like slipping into a dreamscape where eras blur, and each photograph is an invitation to drift between decades. Al-Hosni’s images pulse with an ‘80s and ‘90s glow, yet they’re unanchored from a specific time, embodying a delicate balance between old and new, the familiar and the uncharted.
The most important thing is not to think of the reaction of people, even if my art is controversial,” he asserts. “This way it allows me to be free in my way of doing art and expressing myself.”
Al-Hosni’s creative journey started early, at age 13, when he first picked up a camera. His Omani heritage, Arabic music, and the subtle beauty of everyday moments shape his vision. Ideas germinate from the most unexpected sources: a snippet of conversation overheard on a bustling street, a meme that captures a fleeting cultural moment. “I get inspired by everyday life and mundane actions that I observe in my daily life,” Al-Hosni explains. “These little things spark me into a creative mode.” This eye for life’s small, often unnoticed details fuels his work and gives it an edge, as if his lens is drawn to moments that others pass by.
His latest exhibition, Qalb Mahmood (قلب محمود) brings together an array of images that explore the vast landscape of love, in all its complexities. The photographs, drenched in vivid colours and layered textures, feel like snapshots of a world where time holds its breath. “The balance of each aesthetic allows me to create a nostalgic and futuristic utopia,” Al-Hosni explains. “When I look at older photographs, I get a feeling that allows me to travel between times.”
At the heart of the exhibition is Qalb Mahmood, a fictional character who serves as a metaphor for strength and resilience. Al-Hosni imbues the character with a rich symbolism—vibrant colours, gestures, and scenes that capture the essence of love’s bravery. “Qalb Mahmood is a source of strength for everyone to challenge themselves and push their limits to be as authentic as they can be within a world that is harsh and at some time repressive,” he reveals. “It’s about being brave and taking the chance or the leap of faith into the unknown. This is what Mahmood is all about. It’s about accepting Mahmood in one life and jump into the next chapter of one’s life.”
Through Qalb Mahmood, Al-Hosni breaks new ground, especially in his portrayal of female strength and resilience, a fresh addition to his oeuvre. This exhibition, supported by WePresent, marks his most ambitious project to date, both in scale and production. “It’s a continuation of my thematic and stylistic way,” he reflects. “The difference was the scale of the work and the production.”
As visitors wander the gallery, they’re invited into Al-Hosni’s layered world—a place where nostalgia and the present moment intertwine, and where culture serves as a bridge, not a barrier. Al-Hosni is eager to see how European audiences engage with his representation of Arab identity, hoping his art will invite new perspectives and foster deeper understanding. “I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction of the European visitors as they will be introduced to and engage with photographs that share a positive way of seeing and representing Arab culture and identity,” he shares.
Through his images, Abdulaziz Al-Hosni extends an invitation to confront fears and journey into life’s complexities with an open heart. In Qalb Mahmood, he captures more than moments—he captures the soul’s timeless yearning for connection and the courage it takes to face the unknown. The exhibition offers a portal into a world where memories and modernity converge, reminding us that in the dance between nostalgia and the present, we can find something entirely new.
For more stories of regional art and culture, like this interview with Abdulaziz Al-Hosni, visit our dedicated archives.
