Concept & Theme:

This series documents the traditional pearl diving culture of the Arabian Gulf, a dangerous and vanishing way of life that existed long before the oil era.

- The title "Dancing with Death" highlights the extreme risk pearl divers faced:

- Deep dives without modern equipment.

- Exposure to drowning, sharks, and decompression injuries.

- Intense physical labor under the harsh sun and sea.

Almaskery aims to honor the resilience of these men while showing the human cost of beauty and trade.

Visual Style:

- Shot in black and white, often on analog film, giving it a timeless and haunting feel.

- Subjects are portrayed underwater, on traditional boats (dhows), or in contemplative poses, creating a blend of documentary and fine art.

- Water is a central symbol—both life-giving and threatening.

Symbolism:

- The diver becomes a metaphor for survival, heritage, and the forgotten sacrifices of pre-oil Gulf life.

- The sea is not just a setting but a character—unforgiving, vast, and poetic.

Purpose:

Almaskery said the project is about preserving memory and giving dignity to lost stories—particularly in a region where rapid modernization has blurred the past.

It’s not just about pearl diving—it's about what it means to be vulnerable, brave, and human.