Documentation, 2008
120mm Photography

Exhibition text:
Driving by one Friday afternoon, a colour caught the corner of my eye. It made me stop my car to walk around in this neighbourhood, which I've only driven by in the past.

I have no family or emotional ties to this neighbourhood, but there was something about it that made me want to spend time walking and absorbing its atmosphere.

I didn't want to see people - just wanted to walk in solitude and enjoy the simplicity of the area. Behind closed doors I can hear the sounds of the TV, radio, cooking, talking and children playing.

By Dubai standards, it's a run down area, and yet there is colour and character not seen in more affluent areas. Someone made a decision to add colour and patterns to the exteriors, lay out carpets outside, plant flowers (by the landlord, the household member?). I wish more areas in this city had a sense of character and individuality.

This area will eventually be replaced by another big new development, something that will look and feel completely different to what it is now.

Another loss of the old to make room for the new.

Whatever the people living in this neighbourhood are doing now, wherever they end up in the future, I wish them happiness.