10 Questions with Saman Qadir

Saman, also known as The Samaniist, is a talented photojournalist and artist with a rich cultural background. Based in the Bay Area, California, Saman's work is influenced by both her Pakistani roots and American surroundings, resulting in a unique perspective that captures the essence of diverse cultures and stories.

With a passion for storytelling through the lens, Saman uses her photography to shed light on the untold narratives of people and places. Her keen eye for detail and ability to capture raw emotions in her images have garnered recognition and admiration from viewers and critics alike.

Saman's photographs reflect a deep understanding of the human condition and a commitment to highlighting social issues. Through her lens, she aims to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action. Whether it's documenting the struggles of marginalized communities, showcasing the beauty of landscapes, or capturing moments of human connection, her work encapsulates the power of visual storytelling.

Driven by a desire to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding, Saman's art serves as a catalyst for dialogue and empathy. Her photographs encapsulate the intricacies of everyday life, revealing the shared experiences that connect us all as global citizens.

Beyond her work as a photojournalist, Saman also explores her artistic expression through other mediums. From mixed media installations to multimedia projects, she pushes the boundaries of creativity and challenges conventional perspectives.

Saman's dedication to her craft and her commitment to creating meaningful visual narratives have established her as a respected photographer and artist. Her work serves as a testament to the power of photography as a tool for storytelling, cultural exchange, and social change.

As a Pakistani-American photojournalist and artist based in the Bay Area, Saman continues to explore and capture the world around her, leaving a lasting impact through her powerful imagery and compelling stories.

www.thesamaniist.com | @thesamaniist

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with art?

My name is Saman Qadir, and I am an Independent Photojournalist and Visual Artist. I started experimenting with photography ten years ago. Since then, I have evolved my craft both professionally and personally. My work has a clear message of love and liberation for Brown and Black folks across the diaspora.

What experiences influence your current work and approach to art? 

For the most part, what I do stems from personal experiences. I have lived a long life in a short span of time. Drawing from personally feeling like I do not fully belong in the land I was born and raised in. I always seek to find ways to visually create a narrative that encourages a space for togetherness. 

How would you define yourself as an artist today?

Dynamic, vibrant, and human-centered. My work is focused on creating a visual narrative more than anything else. 

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?

It's a balance of intuitive vision building and researching. I will spend more time researching and creating storyboards. Then, I'll spend time location scouting and producing all the necessary props. Finally, I'll allow things to flow in the way that they are meant to when I am photographing someone. I like to connect with them in a spiritual sense. I firmly believe that when you photograph someone, you capture a piece of them. I want to make sure I do justice for them as well as my vision. It takes a whole team to make my vision come to life, and a lot of the time, it is me working with my subjects to accomplish that.

You primarily work with photography and photojournalism. How do you keep your work cohesive? And how did you develop your artistic language? 

It's something I am still trying to figure out. I feel the two crafts go hand in hand at times. People will know when they see my images that they are my work, whether it be the creation of a Photographic Essay or highlighting a current event through the lens of a photojournalist. I strive to keep to the same narrative. One that focuses on unifying humans from all walks of life. 

How do you choose the subjects and themes to portray? Do you have any recurring ones?

My current project, "The Muslim in Me" was an idea I came up with earlier this year. It's an ongoing visual series that seeks to highlight Muslims from all backgrounds. It's currently on hold due to the ongoing atrocities taking place. Right now, I am photographing protests all over California and in Washington, DC. Capturing and highlighting the voices of Muslims and Jews alike who are calling on US President Joe Biden to enact a cease-fire and allow aid to come into Gaza. I hope to restart "The Muslim in Me" in 2024.

In your opinion, what does differentiate your work from the rest? In other words, what do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

My vision is something that is uniquely my own. Defined by my life experiences in America and in Pakistan. I am very inspired by my Ummah from the East and the West. Using colors and blending projection of religious imagery onto my subjects, I seek to bind the intangible with the tangible world. 

Is there anything else you would like to experiment with?

Yes! I would love to do a large scale editorial shoot with multiple subjects hailing from all parts of the Arab, African, and South Asian diaspora. 

How do you promote your work? Do you use any particular platform or social media?

I promote all my work on my Instagram (@ thesamaniist). It is the only platform I am using to promote both my work as a Photojournalist as well as a Visual Artist. 

Finally, are there any projects you are looking forward to for this year?

With the end of this year, my main focus is leaning more as a Photojournalist as well as a community organizer. Right now, I am working on building a healing space for Muslims. And, InshAllah, I'll be restarting my "Muslim in Me" series again very soon. 

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.