Qatari Heritage | Moudhi Alhajri

Moudhi Abusatwa Alhajri (موضي الهاجري) is a photographer from Qatar who visited Rochester in 2024 with family.  

She is the author of a documentary book titled “Yemen, A Passion that Captivates You.” The book is a collection of several years of travel photography and personal notes, where Alhajri documents and celebrates the cultural vibrancy of the Yemenite landscape, history and culture. 

Alhajri is the recipient of a 2013 Arabian Woman Award for her contribution to fostering cross-cultural connections. She serves as a member of the judging committee for the photographic competition “The Golden Lens,” produced by Qatar Television, and has juried artistic and photographic competitions nationally and internationally. She has also participated in lectures and panel discussions across the world. 

This exhibition features photographs of Qatari people, animals, and scenery. Alhajri layers as many as six digital images to add qualities of texture and evoke a multi-sensory experience. By juxtaposing traditional occupations with modern skylines, Alhajri gives us a glimpse into the life and culture of this fast-growing country. 

As I stand gazing at these hills and boats, my emotions go astray. I take a step back to gain a wider view of the scene and I circle it repetitively. I draw near and the scene becomes evident, and as I approach it, the details come to life. I disconnect from reality and I lose sight of my surroundings, except this scene. I cannot make a decision whether to take a picture of it, write my feelings about it, or paint it. Perhaps I should close my eyes and paint what I feel about it so that what it symbolizes does not fade away. I place my hands on these walls and feel a texture that speaks of its history and triumph over the test of time – I gain strength and pride. As I close my eyes, the wall moving against my hand speaks its memories. The voices of its inhabitants echo through my mind. I hear their laughter, conversations, poems and their struggles. There I see them – the images are married to their voices. Their scent carried by the breeze, piercing my body as it passes through the houses and alleys.

I wanted to share those moments with you through my lens and words, hoping I can deliver those emotions I pictured.

-Moudhi Alhajri

Image: (detail) Moudhi Alhajri: Qatari Heritage, Old Copper Pots, 2018