An audience of about 25 students, faculty, and administrators from UPP and Alfaisal University came together after classes on Sunday, May 17, 2009, to attend a talk by prize-winning, Saudi photographer, Faisal Al-Malki.  Illustrated by dozens of slides of his work, the talk, entitled “Photos, Journeys and Process,” allowed Mr. Al-Malki to speak of his entry into the artistic and competitive world of photography and his development as an artist. 

Mr. Al-Malki reviewed the process he followed in setting up some of his photographs, suggested tips and ideas for capturing special subjects, and offered glimpses into what he looks for when he takes photographs.  He also talked about some of his awards and provided entertaining anecdotes to help the audience understand the difficulties and challenges an artist faces.  After his delightful and informative talk, Mr. Al-Malki responded to questions from the audience. 

According to Mohammed Al Razzaz, engineering student at Alfaisal University, “The lecture was amazing, actually.  His photos make you feel the colors, the reality, and the feelings of the picture itself.  He showed me that the picture can really talk.”  Karam Hamweyah, a UPP student in the medicine pathway, and a member of the Art and Photography Club, stated, “It is amazing to see that Faisal Al Malki has dared to change people’s perspectives about art in his culture.”  Tawfik Abou Assale, a UPP student in the medicine pathway and also a member of the Art and Photography Club, stated, “Artists like Faisal Al-Malki play a major role in motivating other people from his country to be involved in art and photography.  When they see his great achievements, they feel like grabbing a camera and taking pictures.”

Commenting on the architectural beauty of the Alfaisal University campus, Mr. Al-Malki asked if he could return to take photographs of the campus.  Because so many of his photos capture the rhythm of the repetitive designs included in architecture, we expect his photos of our beautiful campus to be stunning.  Hopefully he will win some awards for some of those photos.

Mr. Al-Malki’s talk was sponsored by the UPP Art and Photography Club.  Club members wish to express their appreciation to Mr. Al-Malki for sharing his knowledge and his work, to the UPP IT team who set up equipment for the talk, and to the club sponsors, especially Mr. George Botelho, for helping to make this special event a reality.

To learn more about Mr. Al-Malki’s work and his many awards and prizes, check out his website:  www.exactish.com.