Ala Kheir
Capturing Diversity Through the Lens
Born in Nyala, south-west Sudan, in 1985, Ala Kheir's photographic journey is one of passion and discovery. Since his secondary school days, Kheir has been fascinated with photography, a passion that truly ignited in 2005 when he purchased his first SLR camera. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey from casual interest to dedicated exploration of the photographic art form.
Kheir's approach to photography is expansive and inclusive, capturing the world in all its diversity without confining himself to specific subjects. This open-mindedness allows him to find beauty and interest in the entirety of his surroundings, reflecting a deep engagement with the world through the lens.
“I find joy in all types and styles of photography. I’m not limiting myself to a certain kind of subject, but instead, I shoot photos of everything around me.”
Inspired by the work of American photographer Robert Adams, Kheir is drawn to the exploration of different spaces, with Adams' images fueling his desire to venture out and capture the nuanced complexities of the environment. This inspiration is evident in the breadth and depth of Kheir's photographic portfolio, which spans a wide array of subjects and themes.
Kheir's talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. His work has earned him several prestigious awards, including the UN education photograph award in 2010, the 2nd prize in the "Our Continent, Our Future" photo competition in 2013, and the 2nd prize in the "Connect for Climate" photo competition in 2012. His contributions to the field of photography have been recognized and celebrated in various exhibitions, both solo and group. Notably, Kheir had a solo exhibition at the Addis Photo Festival in 2012, participated in the I.B. group exhibition at the same festival, and was part of "The Ungovernables" group exhibition in New York the same year. His work was also featured in the "50+1 Malaysia" project in Kuala Lumpur in 2007 and the "Feel the Color" exhibition in Khartoum in 2009.
Ala Kheir's work stands as a testament to the power of photography to capture and communicate the rich tapestry of life. Through his lens, Kheir invites viewers to journey with him, exploring the diverse landscapes, cultures, and moments that define our shared human experience.
