Timeless images: A peek into past in black and white

Dubai:  "Dig out those old photos Dad."

This is what Stephen, the son of photographer Michael Hamilton Clark, said to his father to encourage him to share his photographic treasures with the people of Dubai, and together remember how a vision can easily turn such a simple way of life into one of the world's most glamorous destinations within a short period of time.

Michael admits that his son's words had an impact on him and therefore prompted him to launch an exhibition.

The exhibition, Retro Photos of Dubai, is organised by Desert Palm by Per Aquum in partnership with the Creative Arts Centre, Dubai.

Michael arrived in Dubai in 1965 as part of a design team for the original Al Maktoum Bridge, he also worked on Dubai airport, the initial Dubai-Sharjah road, Sharjah Airport Civil Taxiway and Terminal and the original Dubai Country Club.

He has been privileged to see Dubai from a grass-roots perspective before the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

"A strong relationship ties me to Dubai because both my sons were born in Al Maktoum Hospital," he says.

Michael says there are also many other unforgettable memories that he and his family share with the emirate." He left Dubai in the middle of 1971.

Attachment

"I saw the old and modern look of Dubai and I hope these 40 photos will bring back memories for some and help to draw back the curtain on a bygone era for others."

Asked about the photos he liked most among the showcased collection, and whether there was any particular spiritual, historical or artistic attachment to them, he replied: "As a matter of fact, each of the 40 images chosen for the exhibition has a particular attachment for one reason or another.

"However, if I had to choose three for the mentioned reasons, then they would be the photo At the Well.

"So if we go back in time to November 1965 which for me, captures the desert conditions and hardy spirit of the people.

"Dhows on the Creek was taken in February 1970 . I just liked the play of the angles of the two bows, the mast and the rope, the quayside and the gangplank," he said.

I also like a photograph which I took in 1966 of Dubai Creek which captures the essence of the Creek as it was then.

Photography and painting have been a source of attraction for Michael, but what lies beneath them? Is it people, nature or just the love of art?

"Perhaps the power of the photo and lens techniques. Essentially, my inspiration is the scene, the angles, the play of light, and to preserve a moment in time for future reference, reflection and enjoyment."

Michael advises people to take photographs of what is around them. "In this fascinating and fast-changing city, photos are the best way to record the ‘today', which soon becomes ‘last year' and longer.

"Let's not forget that life is made up of moments and photos capture them at the time, their time to be revisited and remembered whenever one wants to," he said.

Michael owes the birth of the exhibition to three people.

Appreciate

"I do appreciate all the support that I generously received from my son Stephen, Lynda from the Creative Art Centre and my wife Renee."

The photographer has another Exhibition, Retro Photos of Oman, which documents life between 1972 to 1984, also in black and white, and a total of 40 images.

The exhibition will take place on December 8 to 11 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, in Qurm Heights in Muscat, and right after that, continuing at the Al Madina Gallery until December 20. Later he intends to go back to his home country.

"I plan to return to my home in the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, to continue enjoying my retirement with my wife, walking, taking photos, painting pictures and turning wooden bowls from the lovely locally available wood," the retired civil engineer observed.

Show: Dubai and Oman in spotlight

The ‘Retro Photos of Dubai' exhibition is a selection of 40 black-and-white photographs taken between 1965 and 1971. It runs until tomorrow at Desert Palm per Aquum.

Retro photos of Oman will be held from December 8 to 11 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Qurm Heights, Muscat. It continues at the Al Madina Gallery until December 20.