Sawsan Taher:
A Bahraini photographer distinguished with her work in international photography. She holds FIAP Gold – Excellence (EFIAP/G) from the International Federation of Photographic Art. Also, the VIP 1 and Crown 2 titles from the Global Photographic Union (GPU). Sawsan has been a longstanding member of the Bahrain Arts Society (since 2014) and participated in many local and international exhibitions.
Sawsan participated in the FIAP Biennale where Bahrain earned recognition as one of the top 10 winners: Seoul Korea 2016, Oman 2022 and India 2024. She also participated in the second International Exhibition of Women Photographers Awarded the Titles of the International Federation of Photography in Oman.
She has won gold medals in a variety of international competitions. Winning two international photography competitions as Best Author for the competition in 2016 was a distinguished achievement for Sawsan as well as her participation in the 48th Annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition in 2021.
She is lauded for her authenticity in her photography, as she encapsulates the lives and moments of indigenous people and their culture.
"Al-Ta'ashir" is a dance of war and peace. The art of al-Ta'ashir is defined as an ancient war dance performed by one or more individuals simultaneously. The performer holds a weapon in their hands, which is loaded with gunpowder that transforms into flames under their feet when the performer leaps into the air. This popular heritage involves coordinated roles and tasks, and requires a high level of professionalism from its executors. This was a quality expected of ancient warriors before they engaged in battles, as it instilled enthusiasm in the warriors and struck fear in their enemies. The dance was also performed after battles to express joy over victory. This traditional form has deep roots in Hijazi history, and today it has become an essential part of celebrations accompanying weddings and social events in Saudi Arabia, where gunshots echo and smoke rises, with the sparks from the gunpowder illuminating the squares and courtyards.
