Award-winning photographer's work on display at Omani-French museum

Muscat: The Omani-French Museum is highlighting multiple world cultures in a new exhibition dedicated to the photography of Frédéric de la Mure. Titled 'Journeys', the series of photographs follows la Mure around the world, showcasing the diverse cultures of Ethiopia, India, and many other countries.

The exhibition was opened by Dr. Essam bin Ali Al Rowas, Vice President of the Public Authority for Craft Industries, and Renaud Salins, Ambassador of France to Oman.

A multinational crowd gathered for the event, with representatives from the Omani-French Society, Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Nizwa, and other embassies on hand. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, many praised the selection and artistry on display. Ranulf, a teacher in Muscat, said, "While it was small, many of the pictures were very nice. This was a great way to discover the Omani-French Museum as this was my first time visiting."

Frédéric de la Mure is the official photographer of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His photographs typically focus on the lives of people living in cities he has visited during many travels around the world.

An esteemed artist of the quai d'Orsay since 1982, de la Mure has captured moments of major upheaval through his lens including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the wars of the Balkans, as well as conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. Capturing the essence of life around the world, de la Mure's work highlights the ability of the human spirit to thrive in the face of adversity.

His photographs are regularly featured in newspapers and magazines around the world, as well as in exhibitions organised in France and beyond. One of his most iconic images was the historic handshake between French Premier François Mitterand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in 1984, a moment recognised around the world as the most significant gesture of Franco-German reconciliation following the World Wars.

For his work and contribution, de la Mure was inducted into the Ordre national du Mérite with the rank of Chevalier following 29 years of civil and military service.