Participatory Photography
Photographs
Participants used their cameras to capture what they feel represents Omani culture and identity. I collected approximately 160 photographs. I categorised the most relevant images under several subject headings such as identity, ritual, Islamic religion, customs, food, landscape, and patriate. The meanings I attributed to the participants’ photographs were often dependent on their being a part of specific categories.
Photographs were then organised to identify the dominant icons and mostly top-down representations of Omani culture and identity and to identify how these visuals were represented by literate Omani citizens.
My categorising of the photographs was not complete, comprehensive, or permanent. However, this research project offered me the best tool for reflection and analysis of what I was studying. Participants’ photographs were particularly powerful in informing my analysis, comparing them with the stamp’s themes and the development of my studio practice.
A selection of photography is presented below.
