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Walking Along the Beach: Serge Hamad’s Journey from War Zones to Seaside Serenity
"Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood, looking at reflections on the water and the way the horizon keeps changing."
— Serge Hamad, photographer
Serge Hamad is a visual storyteller whose work as a journalist, photographer, and artist has woven a rich tapestry of compelling narratives. Originally documenting sociopolitical issues in war zones, Hamad has transitioned to capturing serene and tranquil seaside scenes. His work, including the celebrated "Relax" series, not only showcases his unique style but also supports human rights organizations through its impact.
Born in the Mediterranean, Hamad’s lifelong fascination with the sea has profoundly influenced his photography. His comforting and reflective images have garnered global recognition. Since joining the Samsung Art Store in 2020, his work has found an even broader audience, allowing people to interact with his art in new and meaningful ways.
This June, Samsung Art Store added two more of Hamad’s notable pieces to their collection: "Beach #61" in the "Colors of Pride" collection and "Beach #64" in "Hello Summer." In an interview with Samsung Newsroom, Hamad shared insights into his creative process, the influence of his background and life experiences, and the profound impact his evocative images have had on viewers.
An Artist’s Journey
Q: Can you describe your journey into the world of visual arts? What inspired you to move in that direction?
Earlier in my career, I used photography and videography to document various sociopolitical issues as a war zone journalist. In 2011, I decided to shift my focus to capturing more sincere and lighthearted scenes with my lens.
With the "Relax" series, my first body of work in fine art, I aimed to share peaceful and placid images with human rights organizations, supporting them with the proceeds. The public response exceeded my expectations, motivating me to continue on this path.
Q: Your "Relax" series is well known. What inspired you to shoot a series on the beach?
I was born on the Mediterranean coast, and the sea has always fascinated me. Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood. I used to love looking at reflections on the water and the ever-changing horizon.
My multicultural background, being half North African and half Westerner, has profoundly influenced my artistic vision and the themes I explore in my work. This unique blend of cultures allows me to draw from a rich tapestry of traditions and aesthetics, especially when it comes to colors. It has given me a broader perspective, enabling me to see and interpret the world through diverse lenses.
Q: How do you make your beach photography so engaging?
When it comes to capturing an engaging image, planning and timing are crucial. Planning involves more than just checking the weather; it’s about selecting the right location. For example, I’d go to a beach near a marina if I want a shot of a boat on the horizon. To capture a pelican diving into the sea, I would visit a specific beach an hour before sunset. The rest of the atmosphere depends on human interactions with natural elements.
Q: Why does the beach hold so much significance for you?
Consistency is my top priority when developing a collection. I started the "Relax" series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself. I enjoy working at the beach because it reminds me of both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea from my childhood.
"I started the ‘Relax’ series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself."
Collaborating With Samsung Art Store
Q: How do you choose which pieces to share with Samsung Art Store? What emotions or themes do you wish to convey?
I work with Samsung to select pieces that align with a particular themed curation. This way, I can focus on the message delivered to viewers. I strive to convey tranquility and harmony through my pieces on Samsung Art Store.
Q: Samsung Art Store featured "Beach #61" and "Beach #64" in its June collections. Can you share the meaning behind these pieces?
"Beach #61" was shot in California. The rainbow-colored lifeguard house symbolizes tolerance.
"Beach #64" is more of a friendly invitation for the viewer to follow my footsteps on a walk at the beach.
Q: Of all the works you’ve made available on Samsung Art Store, what are your three favorites?
I’d have to choose "Beach #4," "Beach #37," and "Beach #32." All three photographs show how humans share nature with seabirds.
"Beach #4" uses a minimalistic approach to convey serenity with natural lines and colors. Before taking this photo, I wondered who would call a taxi to go surfing. It was only when the car approached that I realized it was a lifeguard vehicle.
"Beach #37" captures a scene of a seagull resting on a dune that looks like a charcoal painting.
Even if the seagulls in "Beach #32" had left and weren’t in the shot, we would still know that they had shared the dune with humans and enjoyed it together. The footprints of both humans and birds on the same dune symbolize their different influences on nature.
"Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that."
Embracing the Future
Q: As an artist, how do you feel about the impact of technology on the art world?
Technology has always impacted my work and influenced my approach to photography. As a photographer, I use various tools every day to express myself — different situations and subjects call for different tools. Improving technology means giving artists more powerful capabilities to express themselves, so I embrace both analog and digital tools.
In my opinion, artists in all kinds of disciplines have always benefited from innovations. During my career as a photographer, I have seen the popularization of imaging technology to a level that made it accessible to everyone. I believe this has created new artists and will continue to do so. The main thing to keep in mind, though, is that technology is a tool. The artistic process happens in your own mind.
Q: How do you believe your collaboration with Samsung Art Store and The Frame has changed the way people appreciate art in their homes?
The Frame is a brilliant concept, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I’m working on a new series called "A Table Here, A Table There." I plan to spend a few months traveling along the U.S. West Coast to produce it and hope to share the collection by the end of this year.
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Good to Know:
- The Frame by Samsung: This innovative TV doubles as a digital canvas, allowing users to display artworks like Hamad’s in their homes. It transforms a typical living room into a personal art gallery, making high-quality art accessible to everyone.
- Impact of Art on Mental Health: Studies have shown that viewing art can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Hamad’s serene beach scenes are particularly effective in creating a calming environment.
- Supporting Human Rights: By purchasing Hamad’s work, art lovers not only beautify their homes but also contribute to human rights causes. This dual impact of art makes it a powerful tool for social change.
In conclusion, Serge Hamad’s journey from documenting war zones to capturing serene beach scenes demonstrates the transformative power of art. His collaboration with Samsung Art Store has brought his calming imagery to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the tranquility and beauty of his work. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how artists like Hamad leverage these tools to create and share their visions with the world.
