In the frame

Exhibition features memorable images of the UAE captured by Austrian photographer

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation recently featured a unique photography exhibition by Werner Branz, one of the reputed photographers from Austria. All the 40 photos had one theme – Emirates Treasures.

The exhibition reflected a timeless portrait of the desert, people, life, culture, heritage and the modern face of the UAE. It took Branz not less than a decade to capture the vibrant moods of nature and the people in the form of landscapes, portraits and stills.

The exhibition was a product of dedication, hard work and passion for photography that has evolved from the artist's heart and soul. Each photo had Branz's signature piece, unique in its angle, style, setting and technique.

The traditional pottery, age old wall hangings, forts, wood carvings, sailing boat, the sunset, a woman in a typical countryside kitchen, the falcons, camel race, Abu Dhabi sky scrapers, various patterns on the sand and the desert in its finest moods – are just some of the themes of the photographs shot across different parts of the emirates.

The exhibition was a flashback in time featuring remote villages and parts of the deserts that are 'no man's land'. The UAE looks ever the more beautiful through Branz's eyes.

Born in 1955 in Vorarlberg, Austria, Branz developed a taste for professional photography that he inherited from his father. Photography became a way of life for Branz rather than a career.

With a masters degree in photography, Branz has to his credit various international awards such as the European Colour Art Gold Master, and International Tutor for Photography. He owns a studio in Brogans, Austria.

Branz works with fully manual cameras and a technique of his own to transform the photos into pieces of art.

In addition to nine different exhibitions held in Dubai Green Art Gallery, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, Branz's works have been featured in various exhibitions in Germany, France, Austria, Singapore, Spain, U.S., Norway and Switzerland.

Branz is a perfectionist who spends years together to come out with a collection like Emirates Treasures.

The pieces at the exhibition were just a few of hundreds of his works. Branz intends to come up with an extensive collection of white and black photography in the UAE.

He also has plans to bring out limited editions of his selected works featuring the UAE which he hopes will last for generations as a 'national treasure'.