ith this series of photographs, Wouter Deruytter uncannily succeeds in lifting up the “veil” of the Arab world. At first glance, these very austere and dark images are almost shockingly disapproving of the figures and backgrounds that they embrace. 
It is only by lingering a bit on each representation that the strength of the individuals and magnificence of their surroundings begin to emerge so clearly and so forcefully.
So much has been written recently about the veiled world of the Arab civilization. Deruytter quickly sidesteps the political debates and challenges his viewers to look at this culture with a new empathy … Many of us in the audience might, for the very first time, begin to understand this Arab world and its interconnecting role on this small planet.
The portraiture Deruytter creates does indeed raise serious questions about traditions, religion, sexuality, and history. He does this with a very assured formal style. But he does not force answers upon us. He requires us to open wide our eyes and gaze with freshness and sensitivity. Put simply, he teaches us to look anew at people and places we assumed we recognized.
