Me Myself and Wahb, Body Heart&Soul

Ski Dubai advertising campaign by Wahbphoto.com

2011-02-14T01:13:00.000-08:00

WAHB COACHING THAIBOXING

2011-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

2010-10-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Finally

This project has been on my mind for now 12 years, but the events of life and also a certain laziness have always kept me away from even attempting to start, I actually did some random shots of myself every now and then but they were nowhere close to what should be the project in itself.
So finally it all started now with the exhibition, Me Myself and Wahb at the Portfolio gallery in Dubai, that will be on display to visitors until the end of December 2009.
The final product is a Coffee Table Book of 200 images with the strongest concepts and ideas, from funny to dramatic, to mysterious and so on, just as life is. I will put all my photography experience and expertise at work to achieve the highest possible results to make this work unique in its kind. The photography manipulations to achieve certain effects, will be some of the most complex and scientifically accurate.
It will take a couple of years to finish the 200 images I have in mind, but now that the project has started, and given the overwhelming success at the opening of the exhibition, it certainly promises to be one of a kind amongst the very well appreciated art photography books.

I would like to share the progress of this journey with whom is interested and wants to contribute with suggestions and comments and also some support!

Me, Myself and Wahb

Lights, Camera, Emotions – Do you dare come face-to-face with the real Wahb Mabkhout? Be prepared to experience raw ...and unbridled emotions first hand with Wahb Mabkhout’s self exploration photo-quest Me, Myself and Wahb.

“I am looking to return to where I came from.” Wahb Mabkhout, the Moroccan-born fashion photographer sums up his ambition and message for his photography exhibition in one simple, poignant sentence. Renowned internationally for his clean, aggressive and true-to-nature style, Wahb is showcasing his innermost self on photographs at Portfolio gallery from 1 Dec.

A specialist in digital photography, Wahb is also a pioneer who widely utilized the medium since the technology’s infancy. Digital technology enabled Wahb to explore and sharpen his flair for post production and special effects. The end result – dramatic and poignant photos of the highest quality, making Wahb one of the most sought after photographers in the world.

Describing himself as “crazy, honest and myself,” Wahb says, “Dubai has cramped my creativity; I am looking to break out of the strait-jacket.” Wahb elaborates, “So I have decided to put together this exhibition, as a statement of my ambition as well as a showcase of my skills in digital photography. This is a very unique exhibition. For a start, this exhibition is essentially a self-portrait, something quite unheard of in this region. Each portrait captures an emotion that I have experienced. The post production work highlights and dramatizes each emotion. People will experience both drama and shock from these photos, which is my signature style. These are provocative photos, no doubt, but they also respect local sensitivities and cultures at the same time.”

Wahb also stressed that this exhibition, although a self portrait, is also a mirror for other people. “Me, Myself and Wahb is a very honest exhibition of my inner self. But the emotions captured on the photographs are not unique to me. All of us feel frustrated, mad or angry sometimes or even a few time in a day. I want people to identify with my photos and know that it is perfectly fine to have those emotions. I have been through a lot emotionally to come to accept who I am; I very comfortable in my own skin. I want other people to be comfortable in theirs too.”

Wahb, who first started out training as a fashion designer in Milan, was talent scouted to be a model during the 1980s. Along the way, he discovered his talent and love for fashion photography. Training and working with the very best in industry, Wahb’s stellar credentials include GQ, Sports Illustrated and FHM.

In 2006, Wahb expanded into the region and set up Wahb Visual Solutions in Dubai Media City. Locally, Wahb utilized his creativity and skills, producing campaigns for retail giants such as Wafi Mall, BurJuman and Mall of the Emirates, as well as telecommunication companies such as Etisalat, Nokia and Saudi Telecom.

As for his views on the local fashion and fashion photography scene, Wahb expressed his reservations. “There have been improvements over the four years that I have been in Dubai. But it is not enough. The local fashion scene is still quite confused and inconsistent in terms of the quality of work and people. This is definitely not helped by the transient nature of Dubai’s population. There is a certain randomness about the industry. It will be quite a while before Dubai is able to achieve the status of fashion capitals such as Milan, New York or even Japan. The first step towards that goal, I believe, is a willingness among all players of the industry, from the designers to stylists and photographers to share ideas and work together. The industry is still in its infancy, and there is a definite shortage of professionals in all the sectors. For example, photographers who happen to shoot fashion are not fashion photographers.”

Sadly, Me, Myself and Wahb will be Wahb’s first and last exhibition in Dubai. “Dubai is just not the platform for my style of photography. As a professional photographer, I cannot let my style and creativity be cramped or else I will stagnate. I came to Dubai four years ago feeling like a pioneer, hoping to contribute to the local fashion industry. But it is just not ready for me yet.”

2010-10-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

2010-10-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am just an Everyday Abnormal Guy!

2010-10-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

The world is Yours!

2010-10-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

One Man, One Army!

2010-10-09T14:17:00.001-07:00

Tribute to the grand Herb Ritts!

2010-10-09T14:16:00.003-07:00

Back ground hijacking!

2010-10-09T14:16:00.001-07:00

Public enemy n 1!

2010-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Like plastic... it's fantastic!

2010-10-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

The ugly lie and the beautiful truth!

2010-10-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Cosa nostra!

2010-10-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Revolutionary!

2010-10-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tears of blod for my lost kid!

2010-10-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Can't be heartless no matter how I try!

2009-12-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Portfolio gallery, Al Quoz 1, Interchange 3, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai | Portfolio Gallery | t. +971 4 323 2395