Minimalistic Lebanese photographer Serge Najjar takes an abstract look at the concrete forms, architectural buildings, and the play between natural light and shadow in his hometown Beirut. The geometric shapes, patterns and compositions in the images reflect his take on ordinary and conduct in a visual pleasure.
I just want people to understand that it is important to redefine the way they look at their own neighborhood by showing it in a fresh and positive way. Show the unnoticed, the hidden details, the changing lights.
How did you begin photographing urban landscapes?
As soon as I started photography five years ago, I became obsessed by photographing the buildings around me, probably because i was discovering, through them the joy of capturing lines and geometry.
You have a very unique and abstract touch into your photography, how do you explain that?
It is probably due to my childhood. I grew up reading art book and auction catalogues. I was very interested in abstract art and composition in paintings. When I was facing the challenge to create through photography, I guess I was immediately driven by the joy of “abstracting” the moment.
Are you taking your images in different geographical locations?
Most of them are taken in Lebanon.
You have a very different eye on colors and geometry, were you always interested in it?
I may have been but was not conscious about it. All this is very intuitive.
What message are you trying to convey through your art?
I have an ongoing exhibition called “A closer look at the ordinary”. The title explains it all. If you learn to look at things around you with a new eye, you can bring the ordinary closer to art.
Do you see social media as a tool to inspire or other way around?
Instagram, for instance, is the biggest modern encyclopaedia of images. How could you not be inspired by it?
Are there any future plans with your photography?
I am already exhibiting through my gallery (Galerie Tanit) in many countries and in prestigious places like Paris Photo, the biggest photography fair in the world. And I have many upcoming solo shows. I cannot ask for more right now. I am enjoying the moment, especially that it is not my job… I am a a lawyer!
What do you hope viewers get from your work?
I just want people to understand that it is important to redefine the way they look at their own neighborhood by showing it in a fresh and positive way. Show the unnoticed, the hidden details, the changing lights. Transcend the daily routine because it is really a thin line between what people consider as boring and that turns out to be quite interesting once seen through a creative eye.
