When I made the decision to move to Riyadh a few years ago, I was bombarded with negative comments from friends and family with regards to Arab people and the Arab culture. I was told that within a month I would return to South Africa as Arabs are extremely bad people. Of course, I did not allow these opinions to influence my mindset and perception of the region. In every country you can find the good, the bad and the ugly. I had the best time of my life in Saudi Arabia. I met and interacted with people from all over the globe and my best friends are now Saudis. Personally, I believe that the media is partly to be blamed for projecting the nation in a negative light. However, one gentleman in particular, an Englishman now residing in the Middle East is creating waves across the Gulf through his photography. Sebastian Farmborough aims to showcase the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a positive light through his own personal interactions with the local people of the country. It was an absolute pleasure conversing with him and I want to thank him for taking the time out to answer my questions. Read on to find out more in his own words...
1. So, tell me, who is Sebastian Farmborough?
Well, that's a good question. Nobody has asked me that one before and to be honest with you, it is not something I have given a great deal of thought to. Photography is my life and producing images that move people is what it is all about for me.I was born and educated in England, but since then I have lived in the US, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Chile and now the United Arab Emirates. I love languages and interacting with different cultures, it makes me feel as though i am constantly learning something which I value greatly.
2. Who or what inspired you to become a photographer?
It was the work of Bill Brandt that drew me into the world of photography, before that I wanted to be an architect. I became captivated by the way he used light and texture to mislead the onlooker into seeing something that was actually never there.
3. When and why did you move to Saudi Arabia? What is it about Saudi culture that fascinates or intrigues you?
I moved to Saudi Arabia from Spain in 2003. Spain is a wonderful place, but I knew that financially I was not going to be able to advance my photographic aspirations there. While the principle motivator behind the move might have been a monetary one. I also wanted to find out what the region was really like, having been in Manhattan during September the 11th and exposed to the media coverage that followed. My friends and relatives strongly advised me not to go, but I was sceptical and wanted to find out for myself.
What fascinates me most about Saudi culture is that it is so misunderstood. Saudis actually have a great many qualities which we Westerners would do well to learn from. I really envy how close their family relationships are and admire their generosity and hospitality. The respect they show to elder generations is wonderful and their sense of humour really was a pleasant surprise.
However, the best thing about Saudi Arabia is Ramadan. During that month, it is impossible to walk down the street at sunset without somebody inviting you into their home to break the fast. It is inclusive, it does not matter if you have a family or not, or whether you are the same religion or not, everyone just wants you to join in and that spirit really is infectious.
Well, that's a good question. Nobody has asked me that one before and to be honest with you, it is not something I have given a great deal of thought to. Photography is my life and producing images that move people is what it is all about for me.I was born and educated in England, but since then I have lived in the US, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Chile and now the United Arab Emirates. I love languages and interacting with different cultures, it makes me feel as though i am constantly learning something which I value greatly.
2. Who or what inspired you to become a photographer?
It was the work of Bill Brandt that drew me into the world of photography, before that I wanted to be an architect. I became captivated by the way he used light and texture to mislead the onlooker into seeing something that was actually never there.
3. When and why did you move to Saudi Arabia? What is it about Saudi culture that fascinates or intrigues you?
I moved to Saudi Arabia from Spain in 2003. Spain is a wonderful place, but I knew that financially I was not going to be able to advance my photographic aspirations there. While the principle motivator behind the move might have been a monetary one. I also wanted to find out what the region was really like, having been in Manhattan during September the 11th and exposed to the media coverage that followed. My friends and relatives strongly advised me not to go, but I was sceptical and wanted to find out for myself.
What fascinates me most about Saudi culture is that it is so misunderstood. Saudis actually have a great many qualities which we Westerners would do well to learn from. I really envy how close their family relationships are and admire their generosity and hospitality. The respect they show to elder generations is wonderful and their sense of humour really was a pleasant surprise.
However, the best thing about Saudi Arabia is Ramadan. During that month, it is impossible to walk down the street at sunset without somebody inviting you into their home to break the fast. It is inclusive, it does not matter if you have a family or not, or whether you are the same religion or not, everyone just wants you to join in and that spirit really is infectious.
4. Whilst the rest of the world has a negative perception about the Kingdom and its people, particularly Saudi women, why have you decided to portray them in such a positive light?
Personally, I am fed up of seeing images of veiled women that look like obscure, oppressed objects and of angry looking bearded men. It is no wonder that the Western perception of the Kingdom is so negative. I had some wonderful experiences there and I found it very disheartening when my well educated Western friends just did not believe me. They often accused me of being brainwashed, which is ironic really.
There is a different side to Saudi Arabia, one which the Western media has failed to cover. It is that which I plan to portray. I am an artist, not a journalist so I can choose to focus on the positive. Of course, this is not the whole story, but these are chapters that have yet to be told and I am convinced that they would better enable Westerners to understand and ultimately accept such a dramatically different culture from their own.
5. What advise would you give to expats residing in the Kingdom?
There are two types of expats in the Kingdom, those who focus on what they cannot do and those that focus on what they can. My advice is to make sure you are the latter. Learn Arabic and get out there and meet the people. I know this is more difficult for women, but you can find ways. Integration is so rewarding. Try and find the best of both worlds.
6. What is your opinion with regards to the polygamous relationships that exist in the Middle East?
Personally, I would not want to be involved in a polygamous relationship. I do not believe that you can love in equal measure, but I do understand the reasoning behind it.
7. What do you think about interfaith marriages?
The romantic in me would like to think that love conquers all, but a marriage is between two families, not just two people so it does represent a major stumbling block, particularly once the children arrive. Personally, I wouldn't mind my wife being of another faith, but how would her family react? And how would we raise our children? See what I mean, it's complicated.
8. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?
Oh, that is an easy one, I would like to be an awful lot better at learning languages. It would be amazing to be able to communicate with everyone.
9. What are your favourite websites?
Favourite websites, hmm, i would probably have to say Facebook. I have moved around so much over the years that if it weren't for that one, I wouldn't have any friends.
10. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your plans for the future?
Once I have reduced the misconceptions surrounding Saudi Arabia. I would like to do the same with Iran or indeed Pakistan. These three countries are where most of my friends are from and that certainly would not have been the case had I paid attention to our media.
My photography is all about cross-cultural communication and making people realise that essentially we are all the same.
11. Define success... What does it mean to you?
Success for me is to leave a legacy. I love the idea that my photographs will continue to bounce around the globe long after I am gone.
Once again, thank you Sebastian for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours!!!
Check out Sebastian Farmborough's interview on BBC ARABIC
