Seven by Seven (7x7)

Transcultural Narratives from the Middle East and North Africa

A project conceived, curated, and designed by Roï Saade

This exhibition is the product of visual reciprocity between photographers in seven MENA cities—Amir Hazim (Baghdad),  Myriam Boulos (Beirut), Mouad Abillat (Marrakesh), Sina Shiri (Tehran), Reem Falaknaz (Dubai), Erdem Varo (Istanbul), and Abdo Shanan (Algiers)—presenting a counter-narrative to the contested political images of their native cities. Bringing them together, capturing portraits of their cities, along with impressions and reflections of their homes and surroundings, the exhibit explores themes of transcultural narratives, social difference, and national identity.

In our age of globalization and modernity, transculturalism has become a term that attempts to define the complex relationships between cultures, communities, and

individuals outside the often divisive limits of national borders. As each city in the MENA region is unique in its experiences, there are nevertheless significant similarities that bind us together, through shared histories of colonization and language.

The goal was to explore the differences and similarities found in each city and to celebrate their diversity and complexity. To illustrate this, each photographer brings with them their own representation of their city and the society in which they reside, creating a transcultural narrative of the MENA region through their equally unique and overlapping perspectives.

This project was funded by Map of Creation for the Middle East Now Film Festival in Florence, Italy; and exhibited at Murate Art District.

Roï Saade is currently planning a second version of 7x7. If you wish to support this initiative, please email roi.saade@gmail.com. @roi.saade

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