Saleh Al Ustad
(Sharjah, UAE, 1956-2018)
As part of the pioneer generation of fine art photographers in the country, Saleh was one of the most well traveled and knowledgeable photographers of his time, testing his skills both in the dark room and later with digital. Mid East Art is happy to have documented this artist one year before his passing.
First attending in the late 1970s an English language program in Missouri, he then studied in Southern California, graduating from Chapman College in 1984.
Along with photographer Jassim Al Awadhi, Saleh worked to have the Emirates Fine Art Society construct a dark room and space for photographers. Teaching photography courses to the younger generation of artists, Saleh was instrumental in promoting UAE art abroad.
Saleh’s earlier works are playful, interactive photographs that combine experimentation in light, shadow and the physicality of the material. Later his photographs with digital cameras highlight subjects both familiar and unfamiliar.
