Hazem Mahdy
Born in 1986 in Sharjah/UAE
Lives and works in Dubai
Artist Statement
"Photographs are both literal and obscure. Certain phrases light up the mind. I literally glimpse a concept. And that glimpse overwhelms me. As the meaning of this vision becomes increasingly distant, I redouble my efforts. I immerse myself in the process. I chase a conclusion. The experience will bring something to light. But can a literal result portray an obscure memory? The preservation of memory haunts me. Childhood was my home, my home remains childhood. I come from a big family and a bigger ocean of family documentation. The story of my early life is a list in the sea. There are things I remember which were never documented. There are images of times, which he does not remember. I research and recollect myself from the traces that remain. I am desperately trying to find real stories. I know there is a switch that will reignite my memory. But I am yet to discover the switch. So I calm myself with my imagination. But they are all that I has. When I exhibit my works, I exhibit myself. People will look at me; they will get to know me intimately; they will preserve my memory. But I am not really there."
Education
B.A of photography, the American University of Dubai, 2009
Group Exhibitions
2010
"Blue Skie'd and Clear, Carbon 12, Dubai/UAE
Vienna Fair
2009
"Basically Human", AUD, New York/USA
2008
The Rituals of Dinner, Ayyam gallery for AUD students, Dubai
2007
"Progressive Movement", AUD, Dubai
"Art for rent", Dubai 2007
"Chaumet (Catch me if you love me)", AUD, Dubai