The quiet simplicity of rural life is on full display in Tarek Abouamin's The Vines of Niklah. Known for his award-winning cinematography, Abouamin traveled to his father's native home in Tanta and Sharqiya, Egypt to document rural life. The photos, taken shortly before Arab Spring came to Egypt in 2009, showcase the vibrancy and beauty of life in rural areas. The documentary style used by Abouamin is quite effective. The photo of the woman by her decorative sewing machine is warm with various, eye-popping colours. A man holding an orange towards the camera seems to be inviting the viewer to come into the lush background surrounding him. The decaying and old backside of a row of buildings shows the gradual decay of infrastructure. It's the little details within Abouamin's portraits that make his work insightful. --Julie Sobowale
To September 29, Neptune Studio Theatre Lobby, 1590 Argyle Street, 425-6812
Thursday, October 17, Roy Building, 1657 Barrington Street, 10pm, $50