Middle East & Africa

Akram Zaatari

Anonymous, Madani’s parents' home, The Studio, 1949-50

1950s/2004

Anonymous. Madani,’s parent’s home. The Studio, 1949-50

“Other photographers used to send me negatives of cross-eyed people, asking me to retouch them. I used to scratch out the emulsion where the pupil is, and draw another one right next to it.”

– Hashem El Madani

Hashem El Madani, a studio photographer in Saida, began working in 1948. Like all studio photographers his subjects came to him. The studio had a constant flux of visitors. It was perceived as a safe haven, where the subjects of his photographs could act out their fantasies within the conventional format of portrait photography. Madani records the poses, clothes and behavior of his clients reflecting the social and political context in which they lived as well as the norms and the taboos. He portrays anonymous personages, people who normally fall below the radar of public interest. Akram Zaatari initiated the project to bring these photographs to public attention through the Arab Image Foundation which now manages the Madani archive.

Akram Zaatari is an artist and filmmaker renowned for his explorations of memory, history, and the socio-political landscape of the Middle East. Combining the skills of a historian, a curator, and an artist, Zaatari’s work salvages and preserves the past, challenging the perceived norms of history. Co-founder of the Arab Image Foundation, Zaatari's work often involves the meticulous collection and archiving of photographs, letters, and other historical materials, which he transforms into thought-provoking artworks and films. His practice is deeply rooted in documentary traditions, yet he seamlessly blends these with personal narratives and conceptual approaches, offering nuanced reflections on themes such as conflict, identity, and resilience. Through his art, Zaatari invites viewers to engage with the complexities of Middle Eastern history, urging a deeper understanding of the region's cultural and political dynamics.

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Akram Zaatari Anonymous, Madani’s parents' home, The Studio, 1949-50

Akram Zaatari

Anonymous, Madani’s parents' home, The Studio, 1949-50