Under Their Eyes بعيد ألف عيون

If you are interested in purchasing these prints, visit our shop

‘Under Their Eyes’ (بعيد ألف عيون) is a photographic and film project conceived by Hadi Moussally. It features Salma Zahore, with photographs and film by Hadi Moussally and Olivier Pagny. This triptych installation places Salma in the centre, with a multitude of eyes, with two additional images of Salma flanking her on either side, looking intensely at the central figure.

The project explores the cultural concept of the “evil eye”, a widespread belief in the S.W.A.N.A. region. This superstition suggests that negative energy or misfortune can be transmitted through a malicious gaze, often motivated by envy or ill will. The expression “من عينك” (from your eyes) is commonly used to attribute an unfortunate event to another person’s evil eye. Conversely, the phrase “بعيد ألف شر” (a thousand evils away) is invoked as a protective spell to keep this negative influence away.

“Under Their Eyes” visually explores these cultural notions, using the multiplicity of eyes to represent the omnipresent and often oppressive surveillance that can be felt especially by society. The central figure of Salma, under the weight of these gazes, embodies the tension and vulnerability associated with being the subject of the evil eye. The project not only highlights these regional beliefs, it also opens up a wider dialogue on the impact of societal judgment and the human experience of feeling watched and judged.

Credits

Creative director:
Hadi Moussally

Films & Photos:
Olivier Pagny & Hadi Moussally

Director of Photography & Post-production:
Olivier Pagny

Production:
h7o7Studio

Starring:
Salma Zahore

Music:
Tina Yamout - Oyoun Al Soud
Nawal El Zoghbi - Eneik Kaddabin
Georgette Sayegh - Dellouni Al Ayneyn Ssoud
Fatima Eid - Alf be’ed char Annak