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Painting an unfiltered and raw portrait of humanity in the kingdom and beyond, Bahraini creative and photographer Ghada Khunji has captured portraits of more than 1,300 subjects in the first year of her viral Akkas Portrait Studio project.
Since she started the project in February last year, Akkas, which translates to ‘photographer’ in Arabic, has popped up in Youth City Bahrain, Riffa Fort and recently in Muharraq Nights, after its journey began during The Nest festival at Al Riwaq Art Space.
“Akkas means photographer in Arabic. I thought it’s a perfect name because ‘Akks’ in Arabic also means opposite that relates to old school photography of using negatives to make a positive image,” she told GulfWeekly.
“At Akkas Portrait Studio, I am dedicated to capturing portraits that focus on the essence of the individual, stripping away the noise of modernity to reveal the pure, unfiltered humanity of my subjects.
“My work is a celebration of the person in their most authentic and perfect form, a testament to our shared human unity and the beauty inherent in every soul.”
While Bahrain provides creative fodder for many photography projects, Akkas stands out for its focus on portraits and analogue photographs - each shot is captured with a Hasselblad.
So far, Ghada has photographed 1,301 individuals and has no plans to stop, as she moves forward on taking people back in time with her analogue photographs in an ‘age dominated by quick selfies and the fleeting nature of mobile photography.’
“Each portrait I create is more than just an image; it is a declaration of life itself, a moment preserved as undeniable proof of existence,” she added.
“To underscore this, I present each portrait in a tamper-proof forensic evidence bag—a deliberate and symbolic choice. This packaging is a statement: you are enough, just as you are.
“No one has the right to ‘tamper’ with your essence. These bags transform each portrait into a certified proof of life, emphasising that every individual is whole, complete, and worthy of celebration.
“I believe that every person carries a unique story, a piece of the greater human narrative that connects us all. My subjects are not merely individuals but vital threads in the intricate and unified tapestry of humanity.
“Through my lens, I aim to highlight both our differences and the unbreakable bonds that unite us, celebrating the diversity that enriches us while reminding us of the universal truths we share.
“I am passionate about capturing portraits of people from every walk of life, creating an extensive archive that reflects the vibrant and diverse population of Bahrain—a country bursting with individuality and culture. My mission is to document our collective identity, preserving these moments as timeless evidence of our shared journey.”
Another subtler message in itself is how simple her setup is - a Hasselblad X1D camera, tripod, LED lights and a chair - and Ghada has plans to soon make even the easy-to-construct studio mobile.
Her directions also are simple albeit unconventional - sit in the chair however one is comfortable... and avoid over-smiling.
“I feel that smiling is indicative of being aware of the camera, whereas when one does not smile it shows one’s inner soul,” she explained.
“Every person that walks in has their own energy and that’s beautifully reflected in the way they are posing, it’s almost like I can read my subjects by the way they sit and pose.
“Some come in and within three minutes they are out and some stay and want to talk. Sometimes I jokingly say that it’s portraits and therapy. Of course for me that makes it even more special because I get to know my subjects and
it’s not just a fleeting moment.”
In October last year, at Al Riwaq, Ghada showcased some of the shots taken in the first eight months of the project.
Amongst her many special moments captured at the studio, one in particular stands out.
“One of the most amazing moments that I will never forget is when a young boy peeked through my studio and saw an empty white room brightly lit and said, ‘When I go through that door is it like going to heaven?’,” she reminisced.
“That pretty much culminates the reason why I think this is such a special project, a place like heaven when everyone is equal and loved.”
These days, Akkas Portrait Studio can be found at the Bahrain National Museum, as part of the ongoing Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition.
For the latest updates and more details, follow @gkhunji on Instagram.
