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ShareBy Mohamed AlDakheel
In an effort to showcase the often-overlooked beauty of Kuwait, Bnaider book offers a fresh perspective on the local landscape through a carefully curated collection of photographs. Abdulaziz AlEssa, 19, and Lulu AlAbdulmoghni, 20, aimed to fill a gap in visual representation with a focus on the serene elegance of Bnaider - an area known for its tranquil beauty but seldom captured in print.
AlEssa told Kuwait Times that his mission was to show Kuwait’s beauty as its people experience it. “Something we felt was missing when compared to the pictorial richness available in similar books from other countries,” he said. This sentiment fueled their dedication to the project, driving them to spend five years gathering and selecting images that not only depict the landscape but also tell the story of the community residing within it.
The process involved more than just photography. AlEssa and AlAbdulmoghni immersed themselves in the community, engaging with locals and exploring the nuances of daily life in Bnaider. Each image in Bnaider book is the result of this deep engagement, chosen not only for its aesthetic value but for its ability to convey a sense of place and moment.
Reflecting on the selection process, AlAbdulmoghni said: “We didn’t just want to fill the book with pictures; we wanted to fill it with narratives that resonate with anyone who looks at them, whether they’re from Kuwait or not. Bnaider book is not merely a coffee table book; it’s a story.”
The book also addresses a broader mission: Documenting and preserving the visual beauty of the area. “In a world that’s constantly changing and moving at a rapid pace, the chalet has always remained the same. We hope it always stays that way and that this book serves as a lasting piece of inspiration for future generations to keep the Bnaider spirit thriving,” AlAbdulmoghni said. This aspect of documentation is crucial to ensure that the essence and beauty of Bnaider endure amidst the inevitable changes of the world.
Community response to Bnaider book has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents of the affluent area appreciate the thoughtful representation and the recognition of their everyday surroundings as worthy of artistic attention. The book has sparked conversations about the importance of local culture and has encouraged others to take a closer look at their own environments.
As Bnaider book continues to circulate, both creators are hopeful about its impact. They believe that this project will inspire other Kuwaiti photographers and storytellers to undertake similar endeavors, each adding their unique voice to the collective narrative of Kuwait’s diverse regions.
The launch of Bnaider book is not just a culmination of years of hard work but the beginning of a new chapter in the appreciation of Kuwait’s natural and cultural landscapes. It stands as a celebration of beauty found in everyday settings, encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate the subtleties of their environments.
This visual journey highlights Bnaider’s unique charm and serves as a reminder of the power of photography to capture and preserve the world around us, because every captured frame is a safeguard against time - a precious keepsake that turns fleeting moments into eternal memories.
