MUSCAT, JUNE 28
Drawn by Oman's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and ever-changing light, award-winning French photographer Emmy Culianez has spent the past five years exploring Oman in search of what she describes as the 'better than the best' photographic experience.
The acclaimed visual storyteller, originally from southwest France, says it was "love at first sight" when she first arrived in Oman. Since then, she has travelled extensively across the country, documenting its landscapes, architecture, traditions and people through her distinctive artistic lens.
Photography has been part of Culianez's life since childhood. She recalls developing a fascination for the camera at the age of 10 before later spending six years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and eventually relocating to Oman.
Her portfolio spans fine-art landscape photography from destinations including Peru, Indonesia and Bali, alongside professional portraits, corporate assignments, cultural projects and sensory art initiatives. In Oman, however, her focus has centred on the country's cultural heritage, celebrating traditional crafts and the richness of its historical identity.
"Oman needs no introduction to anyone who loves visual beauty. The country offers endless inspiration for photographers. Its diverse landscapes, people and colours allow me to discover something new with my camera every day," she said.
Beyond commercial photography, Emmy is also recognised for promoting inclusive art. Her recent exhibition, 'Touch the Image, Hear the Colours,' held in collaboration with the Al Noor Association for the Blind, was designed to make photography accessible to people with visual impairments.
The exhibition featured tactile interpretations of five photographs depicting Oman's landscapes and architectural landmarks, allowing visually impaired visitors to experience the images through touch and descriptive storytelling.
"The idea came from wanting to engage people who are visually challenged rather than simply telling them what a photograph looks like," she explained.
Through her work, Emmy seeks to capture not only places but also the emotions and stories they embody, revealing the dialogue between history and the present.
"The way light interacts with surfaces, the texture of stone and the rhythm of arches create a unique atmosphere. What I found in Oman is a kind of soft power — something subtle, never imposed, yet deeply present," she said.
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