SHAHADA
*Definition of Shahada
“Shahada/testimony” derives from Arabic words: shahida-yasyhadu-shahadatan. Etymologically, this word means:
• To tell a certain news.
• To show something which is not known by others.
• To explain (Mukhtarush Shihah, Misbahul Munir, Al Mu’jamul Wasith, on the word: sha-hi-da)
I worked as an architect in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2013 and 2017. During the weekends, I explored alone in my car the full country. The reason? My photography passion, to understand the complexity of a country consisting mainly of a sandy surface and to be a testimony of a changing place.
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/002_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/004_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/003_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
In a region of eternal conflicts and a country of innumerable restrictions, the infinite monochromatic landscapes
are marked by singular elements that punctuate the deserted landscape.
On foot, by car or plane, I have been recording the uniqueness of a Kingdom where the prohibitions and their
contradictions mark the daily life of an amiable population.
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/005_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/007_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
They are not a photographic judgment but a testimony of a faith that hides its contradictions.
The gliding of the veil is called by a new approach in raising Saudi culture, free from the restrictions interpreted in the holy book. These images try to testify the fundamental elements of Saudi culture, history and territory. Their mistakes and their changes.
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/011_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/013_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
![© Adriano Pimenta phosmag photography portugal](https://i0.wp.com/www.phosmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/012_AdrianoPimenta-1000x666.jpg?resize=1000%2C666)
© Adriano Pimenta
BIO
Adriano Pimenta was born in Porto in 1968. Studied Architecture at the University of Porto and graduated in 1994. Worked between 1992/2007 in the office of Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. In 2007 he founded his own office Adriano Pimenta Architects.
Between 2013-2017 he has been living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a consultant for the development of Riyadh Metro. Currently, Adriano is taking a course in professional photography in IPCI, Porto.
In January 2018, he is part of the Dubai exhibition “Saudi Seen”, a new generation of image-makers presents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Project Space Art Jameel. In January 2018, he is Honourable Awarded with the FNAC Prize for New Photo Talents 2017.
INFO
Adriano Pimenta