Ala Rasi: Through the Lens Of Rana Khadra

by Dina Fares

Ala Rasi: Through the Lens Of Rana Khadra

16 Feb 2025

Rana Khadra, the talented Omani-Lebanese travel photographer and colour designer, is captivating Bahrain with her artistry. Her exhibition, Ala Rasi, has already begun and will be running for two more months until March 31 at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. Sandy Times sits with Khadra to delve into her inspirations, philosophies, and the stories behind her work.

Most of the images were taken in seven different countries within the Middle East and Asia in 2024, while some date back to 2019. When asked about the inspiration behind her work, Khadra’s response is deeply reflective. “I have a deep quest for connecting human beings, for showing the world to those who don’t have a chance to see, for illustrating people in their deepest, purest form,” she says. “Through my photography, I want to showcase the beauty of different cultures, connecting one to the other because in some way, human beings are all the same.”

This ethos resonates throughout her work, as her lens captures the rich tapestry of humanity and culture with a sensitivity that draws the viewer closer. "Ala Rasi" is a phrase with layered meanings, symbolising respect, service, and cultural pride. The exhibition explores the significance of headpieces across various cultures, a subject that deeply moves Khadra during her travels. “The headpiece is a sign of belonging, pride, a connection to history, ancestry, and it says a lot,” she explains.

Among the stories that comprise the collection, one stands out. “It is Abu Abbas, whom I meet on Al Mutannabi Street in Baghdad, whose story moves me the most,” Khadra recounts. “He sells fabrics and, much like all Iraqis, he recites poetry as he speaks to me and welcomes me. This is why I choose him as my main photo — he embodies Arabs, with his welcoming words, hospitality, and beautiful language, literally saying the words ‘ala rasi’ to me while placing his hands on his head. This is where I get the idea of the exhibition from.”

For Khadra, colour is not just a medium but a reflection of self. When asked to describe her personality as a color palette, she immediately identifies with green. “Khadra Khadra is definitely a green!” she laughs. “It is both given to me by birth [Khadra means green in Arabic] but also what I choose. I’m quite peaceful, I can adapt easily, I can go from a soft sweet green to a deep emerald.”

Though green and white dominate her personal palette, Khadra’s artistic journey constantly evolves. “As a colour designer, I go through phases and different facets of my personality, but green and white are my personality. Although, I’m currently obsessing over red.” Khadra’s belief that “beautiful people make beautiful places” is at the heart of her work. “Honestly? I believe every place has beauty if you look for it and every human also has beauty. You just have to find it,” she explains. “We live in a world where sometimes the ugly prevails. I try to show people that if you want to see beauty, it’s not hard to find. I’m deeply connected to the Arab world and mostly capture the beauty in our culture.”

As a seasoned traveler, Khadra’s journeys form the backbone of her storytelling. Beyond her camera, her essential travel item is less tangible but equally powerful: “I carry a smile and an open mind,” she reveals, underscoring the importance of approachability and curiosity. To date, Khadra has visited 49 countries. However, she is less concerned with counting destinations and more focused on exploring deeply. “I visit the same country twice and three times to explore other areas,” she says. “Next, I’ll be touring the Middle East again, hoping to capture some more!”

As an artist with an eye for cultural essence, Khadra’s thoughts on Bahrain’s energy are vivid. “Soft, sweet, warm, cultured, raw,” she describes. “I would choose a light terracotta brown, like rock sugar.” Khadra’s exhibition invites visitors to experience the shared humanity and vibrant traditions that define our world. With her lens and her passion, she shows us that beauty is everywhere — and in everyone.

by Dina Fares