UAE | Heritage and Culture

Best is yet to come for promising Kamaci

Turkish photographer wins first prize in UAE Pavilion's design contest.

  • By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 October 10, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Supplied
  • The UAE community is both refined and developed, and has endless opportunities.Similarly, the art community has built a tremendous foundation with emerging artists: however, this is only the beginning,says Ozant Kamaci,Photographer.

Dubai: The first prize in the UAE Pavilion's nationwide art design contest marks a turning point in the life of Turkish photographer Ozant Kamaci.

The first prize will see him travel to the Venice Biennale for an in-depth contemporary art and cultural experience.

"It was an overwhelming feeling and the taste of success is immeasurable," he says.

"My imagination is flying away to the Venice Biennale and my wife and I are seeing and enjoying the historic artistic Italian city, especially as I've never been there before."

Venice Biennale is recognised as one of the world's noteworthy contemporary art events where the 53rd International Art Exhibition, which started on June 7, is being staged through to November 22.

Ozant — which means reliable in Turkish — said: "It's the dream of any artist."

The 36 year old told Gulf News: "The contest was aimed at providing talented Emirati artists with international recognition. Therefore, it invited submissions from Emiratis and opened the door as well for residents aged 18 years and over to create an artwork that represents the nation's art scene for the banner image of the recently launched UAE Art Archive [www.uaeartarchive.org]."

Yet to come

"My entry is called The Best is Yet to Come. And I was competing against a total of over 50 entries [in the contest] held from July 22 to September 30."

Ozant's winning piece represents the "concept of a blank canvas", whereby anything is possible. It evokes expectations of what the UAE is going to witness in terms of developments.

"My artistic piece aims to represent the UAE art community by drawing on parallel themes which the art community holds in common with the country itself.

"The UAE community is both refined and developed, and has endless opportunities. Similarly, the art community has built a tremendous foundation with emerging artists: however, this is only the beginning. And, The best is yet to come," he said.

When asked what his camera likes to capture, he replied "I fly a lot, I have experienced maybe over one thousand flights. As a photographer there's always an inner feeling that takes me to airports and planes."

Ozant believes that the inner-voice is his authentic guide.

He loves nature as well. Therefore, his lens frames planes with trees to showcase a series of expressive artistic views that were taken in England's Heathrow airport area, documenting a meeting between technology and nature. The series — called Pause — enabled him to win the Association of Photographers Student Awards in May.

Crucial decision

Three years ago, Ozant had to take a crucial decision when he felt he had had enough sitting behind an office desk and signing business contracts. It appeared to him that it was the right time to quit his position at a major soft drinks company — the only company he had worked for, for 13 years.

"Three years ago my gut feeling was to pursue a different direction in life, so I texted my wife that I'm quitting the wonderful career at the wonderful company and I'm going to study photography."

Ozant says it was such a daring step with unanticipated consequences, but his wife's reply was very supportive, saying: "Follow your heart."

"Not to mention the great support I have received from my friends as well," he added.

Kamaci didn't waste time and immediately enrolled himself for an masters in communication design/photography in 2007 at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, in London.

"I hope to leave my artistic signature when I'm no longer alive," Kamaci said.

He defines his intention behind being an artist: "I'm pursuing my soul's interest. ... I look forward to documenting very extraordinary shots to make my children and my grandchildren very proud."

And the best is yet to come to the lens of the promising Turkish artist.

Kamaci's works in photography are displayed at The Empty Quarter gallery at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai.

One of the oldest events

The Venice Biennale is considered one of the oldest and most important international contemporary art events, which gathers artists from all over the world every two years. It is currently in its 53rd year.

This year was the first time that a Gulf nation has ever participated in the renowned Fair, which was opened on June 7 and ends on November 22. More than 243,000 people have visited the Biennale to date.

The event also includes video-works and competitions, one of which is the Pocket Film Prize (video-works made using mobile phones). Tickets for the Biennale exhibitions and events can be bought online.

More from UAE Heritage & Culture

  1. Artists focus on craftsmanship

  2. Designer of a creative haven

  3. Enjoy a unique experience in Sharjah

  4. Sharjah museums highlight heritage

All articles in Heritage & Culture

More from UAE

Gulf News
Popular in UAE

More from UAE

Crackdown

Passports seized in Dish TV crackdown

Dubai airport

Swords, knives, fake guns seized in Dubai

India-Pakistan

New visa rules thrill cross-border couples

Latest news
Community Reports

More from Community Reports

Weather

More from Weather

Gallery

A pick of the best pictures taken by readers

Video

In the lanes of Deira Spice Souq