At XP Music Futures this year, the gaze turned inward. Through Her Eyes—a shot-on-iPhone photography exhibition curated by Marriam Mossalli—invited Saudi women to document one another not as subjects, but as storytellers. Inspired by Under the Abaya, Mossalli’s groundbreaking initiative that first spotlighted female empowerment through street style, this latest project shifts the frame once again, placing creativity, connection, and community at the heart of the image.
Displayed from December 4 to 6 in Riyadh’s Jax District, the exhibition features women from all walks of life—freedivers, DJs, athletes, and artists—photographing each other on the iPhone 17 Pro. What unfolds is a collective portrait of belonging featuring honest, unrepeatable moments rendered in raw detail and reverence.
We spoke to Under the Abaya founder and exhibition curator Marriam Mossalli, along with participating photographer Rawan Alturki, about technology, trust, and what it means to see one another clearly, intimately, and through her eyes.
MARRIAM MOSSALLI, FOUNDER OF UNDER THE ABAYA AND CURATOR OF THROUGH HER EYES
WHEN YOU LAUNCHED UNDER THE ABAYA, THE CORE IDEA WAS SELF-REPRESENTATION. WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH THROUGH HER EYES?
“Through Her Eyes is a natural extension of the Under the Abaya initiative, which sparked Saudi’s first streetstyle book, while simultaneously empowering women to have ownership of their own narratives through their individualized creativity. With Through Her Eyes, we’re strengthening our mission by giving Saudi women the tools, the powerful iPhone 17, and a prominent platform—MDL Beast’s XP Music Futures—to amplify their voices and share their perspectives through iPhone photography. We selected a diverse group of women, from musicians and photographers to a freediver and artists, who brought their unique perspectives and creativity to the initiative, showcasing both the universality and individuality of the Saudi woman.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A MOMENT DURING THIS PROJECT WHEN YOU REALIZED THE STORY WAS BIGGER THAN THE IMAGES THEMSELVES?
“During the workshop, we were put into groups and then paired. I was paired with a woman who I had gotten to know only via our social media channels: the inspiring Rasha AlKhamis. During the shoot, I got to learn about her journey to becoming the President of the Saudi MMA Federation. It was in that moment that I realized the story wasn’t just about the image itself but their entire process and experience of being together as women and looking at each other through our own lens. Rasha’s story was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Saudi women, and it shifted my perspective on what it means to be a woman in Saudi Arabia.”
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE TALENTS FOR THIS PROJECT?
“We selected inspiring Saudi women from various fields—divers, athletes, artists, singers, and photographers—whose passion can be seen in their everyday lives. They brought unique perspectives and styles to the project, making it both rich and authentic.”
WHAT MAKES THE IPHONE THE PERFECT TOOL TO BRING THROUGH HER EYES TO LIFE?
“iPhone is the perfect tool for Through Her Eyes because it allows women to capture their stories with ease, confidence, and complete authenticity. Its powerful camera system, natural color rendering, and intuitive design make it simple to document moments as they unfold. For this project, iPhone became an extension of each woman’s perspective, enabling honest, intimate portraits that reflect real life as they live it.”
RAWAN ALTURKI, PHOTOGRAPHER
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, YOU CONSTRUCT STORIES. WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST INTERESTING WHEN CONSTRUCTING VISUAL STORIES ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE, THROUGH YOUR EYES?
“As a photographer, constructing visual stories is fascinating because it allows me to capture the essence of a person and their experiences. Each person or subject has a unique story, and my goal as a photographer is to reveal that through my lens. What fascinates me the most is how subtle details, like expressions and environments, can convey deep emotions and narratives. These elements help viewers connect with the story on a personal level.”
HOW DO YOU THINK THE ACCESSIBILITY OF SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY HAS SHAPED THE VISUAL IDENTITY OF THIS GENERATION?
“The accessibility of smartphone photography has significantly shaped the visual identity of this generation. With iPhones, everyone can easily take photos and share them instantly. This has democratized photography, enabling diverse voices and perspectives to emerge. The ability to capture moments quickly and share them widely has influenced how we perceive and document our lives. Visual storytelling has become more informal and spontaneous, allowing for a broader range of expressions.”
WHAT DID SHOOTING ON IPHONE LET YOU CAPTURE THAT A TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION LIKELY WOULDN’T? ANY IMAGE THAT ONLY HAPPENED BECAUSE IT FELT INFORMAL?
“Shooting with the 48MP camera on iPhone has allowed me to capture moments that might not have been possible with traditional photography equipment. I have flexibility to capture scenes as they are without disrupting the flow. The convenience and discreetness of the device often leads to more candid images. For instance, informal gatherings or fleeting moments can be documented without the pressure of a formal setup. A spontaneous snapshot taken during a casual event might reveal genuine emotions that a staged photograph would not capture. This authenticity adds richness to the visual story, and this is what the Through Her Eyes photography was aiming for.”
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