Mercato hosts stunning photography exhibition during DSS 2008
In conjunction with the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, Mercato Shopping Mall is hosting a photography exhibition by French photographer Gilles Delmotte, showcasing a stunning collection of portraits capturing the essence of Dubai and afar.
The event, to run until July 9, 2008, brings together up to 40 photos taken by the renowned photographer in several popular and other world cities, with Dubai enjoying special prominence through several portraits documenting the huge urban developments the emirate has been going through over the past years.
Some of these photos portray the gradual rise of the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, from different angles and dimensions. The exhibition’s most striking piece is the one showing many of Sheikh Zayed Road’s high-rises shrouded in haze on a foggy morning.
French-born Gilles' passion for photography is evident in his moving landscapes and portraits of Dubai and afar. After having spent 15 years working in photography in France, he now resides in Dubai, where his images of Dubai are described as 'beautifully constructed' and 'completely in harmony with the surrounds'. With a focus on the ever changing pace of Dubai, he magnificently portrays the progress this city has undergone through his lenses.
“I strongly believe that a photograph is the best instrument for news making. One intelligently picked photo could be more indicative than a lengthy feature article, but this doesn’t mean we should stop reading, a hobby without which I wouldn’t have taken any photographs in my life,” said Gilles.
Gilles started his career almost 22 years ago. “In the beginning, I used to capture many photos, but now I am more selective and focused.”
“The secret behind taking distinguished photos is to look for things that are not seen by others, and meticulously reading about the subject in question,” he added.
He noted that state-of-the-art technology has rendered photography much easier than before, “but at the same time, and thanks to these sophisticated techniques, photographers are now more required to produce the finest photos.”
On his participation in the DSS 2008, he said that Dubai is always a source of infatuation and the hospitable nature of the emirate and its people are always a source of inspiration for him.
On the camera by which he took the famous mist photograph on Sheikh Zayed Road, the French artist said that it costs 30,000 euros. “I sometimes need such kinds of highly sophisticated cameras to portray places and events with special characteristics and climatic conditions.”
The photography exhibition is free for all and goes on till July 9.
