By Siham Al Saidi
In the mesmerising land of Oman, a talented and passionate female photographer has been making waves with her extraordinary work. With her keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for tradition, she has become a leading force in capturing the essence of Omani culture, particularly the vibrant lives of women who proudly exhibit their strong personalities through traditional customs. Through her lens, this remarkable photographer unveils a world where strength and beauty converge, shedding light on the unique stories and empowering expressions of the Omani people.
Iman bint Khalfan al Buraikiyah is a visionary artist who has dedicated herself to showcasing the rich cultural heritage and moments of Oman through her lens, especially by targeting women’s lifestyles and giving the audience a chance to see such traditional moments in modern life. In a rapidly changing world where modernity often overshadows tradition, she has chosen to focus on preserving the customs, habits, and values that make Omani society and women so unique. With a deep sense of admiration for the strength of Omani women, she works hard to showcase their extraordinary stories in each photograph she captures.
At the core of this talented photographer’s work lies her desire to showcase the strong personalities and practises of Omani women in a very classic and harmonious way. Through their attire, gestures, and expressions, she captures the essence of their vibrant spirits. By emphasising traditional customs, such as the face burqa, old-fashioned abaya, fantastic designs of traditional customs, and beautifully embroidered garments, she provides a platform for Omani women to proudly display their cultural heritage and individuality.
Iman chose the art of portraiture, which is a powerful medium for storytelling, and this gifted photographer harnesses that power to shed light on the deep-rooted traditions of Oman. Each photograph becomes a window into the lives of Omani women, revealing their strength, loyalty, wisdom, and grace. The subtle play of light and shadow, the intricate details of their traditional clothing, and the candid moments of joy come together to paint a vivid picture of a culture that is as resilient as it is beautiful.
Iman has secured many prizes in photography, both locally and internationally. She got “Bronze FIAP Medal in Montenegro International Competition”. Iman also got the third prize in portrait photography in the Youth Creativity Competition at the Oman Club. Iman has gained fame through her participation in Macedonia, UAE, and China.
Through her work, Iman helps breathe new life into the traditional customs of Oman, either through customs, some traditional tools, the places chosen for photography sessions, or the lightening or darkness of the photo set. By capturing the unique expressions and personalities of her subjects, she encourages a renewed appreciation for the cultural practices that have shaped generations of Omani women. Her photographs serve as a reminder that tradition can coexist with modernity and that it is through the preservation of customs that the true spirit of a nation remains alive.
What makes Iman’s photography special is not that she shares a new story with each new scene; more than that, a supportive family is behind her success. What attracts us to her work is sharing the support of her family — her mom, sisters, and her talented brother, the photographer Yahya al Buraiki. The support of parents didn’t stop at finishing school; rather, it continues to show in their future! Iman commented: “Mom sometimes likes to join us in the photography sessions, her humble spirit motivates me, and her pieces of advice drive and direct me to get the best scenes that carry stories!”
Al Buraikiyah is not merely a photographer but also a storyteller, capturing the essence of Omani tradition and empowering women through her art. Through her remarkable photographs, she has succeeded in immortalising the strong personalities of Omani women, who proudly display their traditional customs. As we gaze at her evocative portraits, we are reminded of the enduring strength and beauty of Omani culture and the indomitable spirit of the women who breathe life into it. Her portraits serve as a bridge between different cultures, fostering understanding, and promoting a global appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Omani humanity.
Iman’s passion for photography has enabled her to beautifully capture the traditional lifestyle of Omani people, with a particular focus on the strong personalities of Omani women. Through her art, Al Buraikiyah not only preserves and celebrates Omani traditions but also empowers women and spreads awareness of their strength, originality, and resilience. With her unique vision and messages through her scenes, she continues to inspire others to appreciate and value the beauty of cultural diversity and fascinatingly keep such memories.
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