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Award-winning Bahraini photographer Mustafa Abdulhadi has put together a colourful collage showcasing the kingdom’s Manama souq, before and after Covid-19.
Using his Canon 5D Mark III and Sony a6000, he captured images portraying the current stillness and emptiness of the market and eateries in Manama. He then connected them to his past pictures of people chit-chatting in cafes or walking in alleyways.
“After the coronavirus and the closure of restaurants and cafes in Bahrain, I came up with the idea of photographing places that are usually crowded with people,” Mustafa explained. “I chose the Manama market. I searched my archive for photos I had previously taken in the market and photographed new photos of the same place using the same angle and showcasing how it looks closed.
“My message to everyone is to adhere to the instructions from the official authorities, sit in your homes and stay safe.”
The 29-year-old passionate photographer has been using pictures to express himself since 2012. He is interested in exploring various cities, cultures and traditions to exhibit them in picture form.
Mustafa said: “Capturing a moment in time and keeping it is what drew me most to photography. Also, my love to travel and interest in different cultures as well as traditions is a great motivator for me.”
Mustafa has won several local and international competitions. He has also participated in dozens of local and international exhibitions such as at the Say Shukran traveling photo exhibition in Milan, Italy and in Bahrain at the Arts Centre for Bahraini Women’s Day.
