EssaysNovember 4, 2026
Doors and Walls
Hani Hourani2 min read
'Windows and Doors 'Hani Hourani's vision of the past by Ghassan Joha Star Staff Writer
ISTORY IS associated with images that brings the past into life. Jordanian artist Hani Hourani recently opened a unique photography exhibition at the Baladna Art Gallery in Wasfi Al Tal Street. 'Windows and Doors' simply narrates history through photography.The exhibit, opened under the patronage of Amman's Mayor Nidal Al Hadeed, displays 76 large and middle-size photos of old and traditional buildings from various corners of the Arab world. The objective is to uncover the past while integrating the present, to pursue reality without depriving the images of their historic values. The combination of interpretations that are visible in these photos portray the abstract cultural aspect of old buildings which date back to many years. The artist takes us on a ritual trip of traditions in north Africa and the Middle East.Hourani concentrates on the traditional atmosphere of history by using important details such as antique doors and windows. His current exhibit is considered unique because it displays pictures of monuments that no longer exist. These monuments use doors to venture into the past and windows to forsee the present and future. Doors are mainly made of either wood or metal creating a vivid scene in each photo of different buildings. Windows on the other hand, invite us inside homes through the reflection of the penetrating light. Shadows of old doors and arches in Tunisia and Morroco add a touch of liveliness to the pictures. Windows, however, are portrayed in different shapes and styles holding within them all the secrets of the past in an association with the present. Egyptian oriels which are windows projecting from the walls and supported by corbels or brackets, introduce a unique style filled with Arabesque ornaments spread over the surrounded area. This kind of windows were common during the Islamic and Ottoman periods. Churches and mosques are also featured. These sacred places force an atmosphere of holiness and secrecy represented in bell-towers and minarets.Hourani's sensitivity is evident in his work, since they draw the viewer to the roots in which the truth lies and history preserves its sacred values. The exhibition also sheds light on the significance of the house as a vital element for social relations.Hani Hourani held his first exhibition in 1996 in Baladna Gallery which paved the way for further shows around the Kingdom. Born in 1945 in Zarqa, Hourani obtained a bachelors degree in 1970 in Political Science from the University of Jordan. He pursued photography courses at the Lebanese Ministry of Information in Beirut in 1974 and in Moscow in 1975. The artist has been the director of the New Jordan Center, since 1992.The artist chose to hold his current exhibition at Baladna Gallery to pay tribute to the House that gave him his first opportunity. 'Windows and Doors' runs till 18 December.
ISTORY IS associated with images that brings the past into life. Jordanian artist Hani Hourani recently opened a unique photography exhibition at the Baladna Art Gallery in Wasfi Al Tal Street. 'Windows and Doors' simply narrates history through photography.The exhibit, opened under the patronage of Amman's Mayor Nidal Al Hadeed, displays 76 large and middle-size photos of old and traditional buildings from various corners of the Arab world. The objective is to uncover the past while integrating the present, to pursue reality without depriving the images of their historic values. The combination of interpretations that are visible in these photos portray the abstract cultural aspect of old buildings which date back to many years. The artist takes us on a ritual trip of traditions in north Africa and the Middle East.Hourani concentrates on the traditional atmosphere of history by using important details such as antique doors and windows. His current exhibit is considered unique because it displays pictures of monuments that no longer exist. These monuments use doors to venture into the past and windows to forsee the present and future. Doors are mainly made of either wood or metal creating a vivid scene in each photo of different buildings. Windows on the other hand, invite us inside homes through the reflection of the penetrating light. Shadows of old doors and arches in Tunisia and Morroco add a touch of liveliness to the pictures. Windows, however, are portrayed in different shapes and styles holding within them all the secrets of the past in an association with the present. Egyptian oriels which are windows projecting from the walls and supported by corbels or brackets, introduce a unique style filled with Arabesque ornaments spread over the surrounded area. This kind of windows were common during the Islamic and Ottoman periods. Churches and mosques are also featured. These sacred places force an atmosphere of holiness and secrecy represented in bell-towers and minarets.Hourani's sensitivity is evident in his work, since they draw the viewer to the roots in which the truth lies and history preserves its sacred values. The exhibition also sheds light on the significance of the house as a vital element for social relations.Hani Hourani held his first exhibition in 1996 in Baladna Gallery which paved the way for further shows around the Kingdom. Born in 1945 in Zarqa, Hourani obtained a bachelors degree in 1970 in Political Science from the University of Jordan. He pursued photography courses at the Lebanese Ministry of Information in Beirut in 1974 and in Moscow in 1975. The artist has been the director of the New Jordan Center, since 1992.The artist chose to hold his current exhibition at Baladna Gallery to pay tribute to the House that gave him his first opportunity. 'Windows and Doors' runs till 18 December.
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