Born in 1980 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Vladimir Antaki discovered his passion for visual storytelling early. Enriched by cinema studies in Paris, art history at the Sorbonne, and fine arts training in Montreal, he developed a broad, global perspective on culture and art. Yet his creative impulse guided him toward the hyper-local—focusing on the modest shops, workshops, and market stalls most of us might walk past without a second glance.

It’s precisely this tension between Antaki’s cosmopolitan background and the unassuming places he photographs that drives his artistry. Rather than showcasing grand, instantly recognizable landmarks, he turns his lens on spaces that could easily fade into anonymity. He calls these places “urban temples”—remnants of a bygone era—not because they serve as literal houses of worship, but because he regards them as sacred repositories of culture, memory, and genuine human connection.

Antaki’s work is rooted in the tension between preserving history and adapting to modern realities. He does not propose halting change or romanticizing the past as an unspoiled paradise. Instead, his photography calls for balance: ensuring that small, traditional hubs survive alongside new developments, so our shared future remains vibrant and multifaceted rather than monotonously uniform.

By treating these modest businesses as monuments worth celebrating, Antaki redefines our idea of what is monumental. In towering cityscapes of glass and steel, his subjects become islands of authenticity, reminding us that the true essence of a community often lies in places overlooked by hurried modern life.

Antaki’s art is deeply rooted in a reverence for cultural memory, diversity, and human connection. His celebrated series, The Guardians, is a profound testament to this commitment, paying homage to artisans and tradespeople—custodians of what he calls “urban temples.” These spaces stand as remnants of a bygone era, in stark contrast to the homogenized landscapes of modern retail.

Known for his visually striking portraits, Antaki captures the essence of these individuals and their environments, inviting viewers to explore the beauty and history of often-overlooked spaces. In 2019, his dedication to historical and cultural preservation was highlighted with the publication of a monograph on The Guardians by Kehrer Verlag, featuring a preface by Edward Burtynsky.

Antaki’s work serves as a bridge between the past and present, bringing the forgotten into the light. His exhibitions, showcased in public spaces and galleries across France, North America, Lebanon, Lithuania, the UK, and China, reach a diverse and appreciative audience.

The exhibition Parfums d'Orient (Perfumes of the East), which recently concluded in both Paris at the Institut du Monde Arabe and in Riyadh, invited viewers on a sensory journey through the perfume souks of the Sultanate of Oman and Riyadh. Featuring life-size portraits paired with soundscapes, the immersive experience reflected Antaki's dedication to preserving human stories and honouring cultural heritage.

PRINTS

Limited edition fine art prints are available for acquisition. Pricing and edition sizes vary by series. The Guardians and Pilgrimage are offered in two formats: 112 × 78 cm (edition of 6 + 2 AP) starting at 3,100 EUR, and 150 × 105 cm (edition of 3 + 1 AP) starting at 4,200 EUR. Framing is not included, but a simple white wooden frame with anti-reflection glass is recommended.

Each print comes with a signed certificate of authenticity, featuring a unique hologram seal.

EXHIBITIONS

2024 "Perfumes of the East", The Saudi National Museum, Riyadh, KSA

2023 "Parfums d'Orient", Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France

2023 Paris Photo 2023, Galerie Tanit booth, Grand Palais, Paris, France

2022 "How will it end?", Villa Empain, Fondation Boghossian in co-production with the Pompidou Centre, Brussels, Belgium

2020 "Lebanon Then and Now", Middle East Institute, Washington DC, USA

2019 Third Bienniale of Photographers of the Contemporary Arab World, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France

2019 "The Guardians" solo show, Blue Sky Gallery, Portland, Oregon, USA

2018 "The Guardians" solo show, The Alternative, Beirut, Lebanon

2018 "Family Portraits", M. K. Ciurlionis National Art Museum, Kaunas, Lithuania

2018 "The Guardians", Mark Hachem Gallery, Paris, France

2017 "An Honest Farewell", Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto, Canada

2017 "This City Il*, Coldstream Fine Arts, Toronto, Canada

2016 "The Guardians", Public installation, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, USA

2016 "The Guardians", Toronto Nuit Blanche, Toronto, Canada

2014 "The Guardians", Public installation, SDBSL, Montreal, Canada

2014 "The Guardians", Public installation across 100 cities, JCDecaux, France

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

2024 Intermix: Art & Fashion Reimagined, Riyadh, KSA

2018 Artist residency in Tverai in association with the Kaunas Photo Festival, Lithuania

2016 Artist residency in Philadelphia, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, USA