Al Quoz-based Capital D Studio is set to launch the latest series by award-winning photographer Ghada Khunji on 22 April, via a Cuban-themed event and to a wider audience with its new online gallery. The colour photographs were shot in Cuba, offering a rare glimpse into the communist society.
Khunji, the Bahraini-born artist, made her Middle East debut at Capital D Studio in November 2008 with her Hindustan series. Based in New York, she travels several months out of the year to develop her body of work.
“We had such a positive response to Ghada’s first exhibition last year and wanted to showcase her work further through both a tangible and online exhibition. The Cuba series offers an insight into daily life in Cuba and we may never see Cuba like this again,” said Ayaad Damouni, General Manager, Capital D Studio.
Born in August, 1967 in Manama, Bahrain, Khunji is a graduate of two of New York’s premiere arts institutions -- the Parsons School of Design and the International Center of Photography's documentary program.
In 2006, she was named the Lucie Discovery of the Year. In January, 2007 she won American Photo magazine's Images of the Year in Photojournalism award. She has received the Golden Lights Award for Travel, and several of her black and white portraits were nominated for Black & White Magazine’s Spider Awards. She was recently listed alongside names such as Steven Meisel and Annie Leibovitz with two honourable mentions in the American Photo Images of the Year contest in late 2008.
Through her travels in Cuba, Khunji delved into the many layers of politics, culture and society.
“One time the playground of the West, Cuba still thrives with a multi million-dollar travel industry. Although visitors from the rest of the world splurge on the finest hotels and cuisine, as well as the most expensive cigars anywhere, the quality of life of its citizens does not reflect this,” said Khunji.
Capital D, which is a platform for photographers from the region, has witnessed a growth in the popularity of online exhibiting. “The internet is an excellent medium for the art of photography, as it gives people all over the world instant access to new collections and good quality pieces,” said Damouni.
The Cuba series will be launched for collectors at Cuban restaurant El Malecon at Dubai Marine Beach Resort on 22 April, sponsored by MMI. Photography collectors and fans of Ghada Khunji’s work may contact Capital D Studio regarding invitation availability.
The work will be available through Capital D and can be viewed at the new online gallery, going live on 22 April: www.capitalDgallery.com
For further information on Capital D Studio, please visit www.capitalDstudio.com or call +9714 341 5339. For more information about Ghada, please visit www.ghadakhunji.com
