HRH Princess Reem Al Faisal: Capturing the Divine

By: Moniza Khokhar

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, HRH Princess Reem Al Faisal, is a professional photographer, whose work is stunning and also serves as a reminder of our sacred journeys. Granddaughter of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, HRH Princess Reem studied photography at the SPEOS school in Paris, France. We got a chance to speak to her about her work.

Elan: Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background? How did you become interested in art?
HRH Reem Al Faisal: I write articles that are concerned with the politics of the area. I’m also president of a Saudi NGO concerned with dialogue of civilization.

I established the photographic gallery The Empty Quarter and the Cube Arts Projects. I have been photographing all my life, since I was a child, and therefore I don’t consider it a career as much as part of me. It is as natural to me as talking or breathing. My interest in art, specifically Islamic philosophy in art, started from the time I used photography in a professional way. I had to make sure that I understood what I wanted to say in order to exhibit my work.

Elan: As a photographer, how do you choose your subjects or subject matter?
RA: My work in general is a form of prayer as any Muslim artist or artist expressing the sacred in his/her art. I deal with my photographs to show the manifestations of the Divine in nature and man and the relationship of man with his Creator. Traveling is a very important element in my work. I need to let my camera expose the hidden side of wherever I’m.

Elan: How does your background influence your photography?
RA: My background is totally an influence in my work since both Islam and the Arab language are my greatest inspiration in my work. Also, as I’m the product of a nomadic society I find this has very much influenced my work by my desire to travel and move from place to place.
Elan: How would you describe your photography style?
RA: I would say I’m of the school of sacred art. I surely don’t apply to the modern philosophy in art.

Elan: If you could pick one image that is amongst your favorite, something that you were happy to capture, what would that be?
RA: Oh there are several can’t choose just one!

Elan: What you like people to take from your photography?
RA: I would like them to forget me, forget who I am and what my name is. I would like them to take from my work a sense of the sacred and a remembrance of the Absolute.