As part of Qatar – USA 2021 Year of Culture program, the Light & Shadow: A visual journey through Oregon Exhibition presents the work of two photographers, Andrew Studer and Khalifa Al-Misnad, during their ten-day journey photographing the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. While embarking on the journey as strangers, Studer and Al-Misnad quickly bonded through their shared love of photography and nature. The pair endured early mornings, strenuous hikes, and inclement weather, as they ventured over Mount Hood, the Cascades, the Three Sisters, as well as up and down the Oregon coast. The result of their journey is a series of photographs that not only serve as documentation of the natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest but also as individual perspectives meeting to appreciate the present moment.
Embodying the true spirit of the Year of Culture program, both photographers championed each other’s inquisitive nature while learning from one another. For Studer, he enjoyed witnessing Al-Misnad’s botanic curiosity and viewing his native Oregon through “fresh eyes.” At the same time, Al-Misnad admired Studer for shedding his inhibitions, searching for a perfect shot. With curation and guidance by prolific landscape photographer Michael Shainblum, the Photography Exchange Exhibition is a resounding affirmation that photography is a universal language not limited by borders, cultures, or people.
On view until March 31, 2022 by appointment only. Open to the public Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18 from 11AM-4PM.
Qatar – USA Year of Culture 2021
The Qatar – USA Year of Culture 2021 program presents various events and activations that celebrate relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America through cultural partnerships between American and Qatari organizations.
Andrew Studer
Photographer
Andrew Studer is a professional outdoor commercial photographer, videographer, and timelapse cinematographer based in Portland, Oregon. With a huge passion for the outdoors, Andrew constantly seeks out adventure and unique and engaging ways to capture what he sees. Andrew began his freelance career in the summer of 2015, creating content for various clients in the outdoors. He now spends over a third of the year traveling worldwide on commissioned shoots and adventures, capturing content for his photo collections.
His passion has driven him to capture the world in a way that makes viewers have a strong sense of appreciation for nature and the world. From images of seals swimming through glaciers to portraiture of remote Himalayan tribespeople, Andrew’s work showcases the beauty throughout the world. His work has been licensed and featured in National Geographic, Yahoo News, BBC Earth, The Sarah Silverman Show, The Weather Channel, Al Jazeera, CBS News, The Daily Mail, and more.
Khalifa Al-Misnad
Photographer
Khalifa Al-Misnad is an entrepreneur, creative, and endurance athlete from Doha, Qatar. After studying mechanical engineering, Al-Misnad received his master’s degree in law and worked as an in-house legal counsel for Qatar Petroleum before beginning his entrepreneurial career. Qatar’s proximity and easy access to three continents provided him the opportunity to travel to various environments sparking his interest to pick up landscape photography, which has played an important role in how he frames the world around him.
Al-Misnad’s entrepreneurial career has afforded him the freedom to pursue his adventures and his love of photography. Whether it’s through photography or his entrepreneurial endeavors, he hopes his work can positively impact the world around him.
Michael Shainblum
Curator
Michael Shainblum is a prolific landscape, time-lapse, and aerial photographer based in San Francisco, California. He has been working professionally as a photographer and filmmaker since he was 16 years old. While initially interested in graphic design, after doing behind-the-scenes video and studio work in college, he then got into time-lapse and fine art photography. Since first sharing his astrophotography on social media, his following has organically grown and has allowed him to teach aspiring photographers worldwide.
His dedication to challenging the boundaries of creativity has resulted in commissions from clients including Nike, Samsung, Facebook, LG, Apple, and Google. Shainblum’s work has also been published widely by media outlets such as National Geographic, Wired Magazine, and The Weather Channel.