The domestic workers who displayed their photographic skills at the exhibition ‘Project 189’ pose for a group photograph

KUWAIT: In the presence of Philippines Consul General Raul Hora Dado and political officer at the United States Embassy Lloyd Freeman, Project 189 concluded its 52px workshop by exhibiting the photographic work of 23 domestic workers who practiced their new hobby in the last couple of weeks by taking pictures of their surroundings. The photography exhibition was held at Masaha13 on Friday.

It included a selection of their best pictures and they were offered for sale. “This exhibition gives us a wonderful catalogue representing the dreams, hopes and inspirations of domestic workers in our country. It presents images of freedom and opportunities, yet sometimes of a poignant reality,” said Lama Ghannam, co-founder of Project 189. The participants came up with clever and interesting captions for their photographs, making them even more meaningful to the spectator. The photographs varied between still-life, nature, documentary and abstract.

A special booklet distributed to the attendants contained all the selected works to credit the domestic workers and explained the objectives of this project. “52px (pixels) aims to build an inclusive society in Kuwait between domestic workers and the local society. It aims to change perceptions, cultivate empathy and promote social inclusion whilst empowering domestic workers through art and space,” Ghannam said. Project 189 is an organization aiming to protect, promote and improve the rights of domestic workers in the Middle East”. The organization attempts to educate the community about the importance of correcting the situation of domestic workers, bearing the responsibility to deliver their voice to the world.

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi