Skills in the field of information technology can take you far beyond a PC. Manal Al-Dowayan is an artist who can attest to that. Focusing on IT in her undergraduate education she eventually went on to earn a master’s degree in Systems Analysis and Design. Alongside her career studies, Al-Dowayan nurtured her interest in photography, taking courses at art schools in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and London. She furthered her photography skills by exhibiting both in the region and abroad.
Recently Al-Dowayan changed career paths, moving from a position as a business systems analyst to becoming the creative director of a team of graphic designers. She also continues to grow as a photographer, creating the graphics for advertising campaigns and also working on fine art photography when her schedule allows. With the invasion of the digital world and software technology into the field of photography, Al-Dowayan’s comfort both behind the lens and before the PC serve her well in her chosen field of artistic endeavor.
Al-Dowayan was commissioned by the British Council to produce the first set of photographs under the theme “Look Beyond the Veil.” She was also selected to be part of a project funded by Nokia Dubai called, “Fonetography,” which led to the auction of one of her photographs to benefit a local charity. While she has exhibited her work at far off galleries in London, Boston and Burgos, Spain, this summer Al-Dowayan chose a nearby venue for her latest show.
“The Eastern Province is my home and it was a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to have my work displayed by the British Trade Office here in Alkhobar,” Al-Dowayan said. “My photographs from three different collections, ‘I Am,’ ‘The Choice’ and ‘Look Beyond the Veil’ have been exhibited there all summer. I never would miss the chance to exhibit to a new audience, especially one so close to home.”
This evening the British Trade Office is hosting a reception to provide the community with an opportunity to meet Al-Dowayan and discuss her work. For those who cannot be at the reception, you are cordially invited to view Al-Dowayan’s beautiful photographs at her website, www.manaldowayan.com.
