Horses of Qatar - The Legend
of Al Shaqab

Exhibit in Paris by Acclaimed Photographer Vanessa von Zitzewitz to Launch Release of Book on Qatar's Famed Al Shaqab Arabian Horses

Doha, Qatar (October 1, 2009) -- The beauty and power of Al Shaqab's renowned Arabian horses will be presented to the world during an exhibition of photography by internationally famed photographer Vanessa von Zitzewitz.

The exhibit, October 4 - 11 at the Petit Palais in Paris, will launch the release of Vanessa von Zitzewitz's book, Horses of Qatar - The Legend of Al Shaqab.  The show is timed to open on the eve of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious horse races that is sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

Under the patronage of His Highness the Emir and his daughter, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairwoman of the Qatar Museums Authority, Vanessa von Zitzweitz's exhibit and book chronicle the fascinating world of the horses of Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation.  

The exhibit, overseen by designer Philppe Starch, presents more than 40 large-scale prints (5m x 4m and 2.5m x 4m) that will fill the entire South Pavillion of the Petit Palais.

The project required that Vanessa von Zitzewitz, a keen horsewoman, be provided unequaled access to Al Shaqab's stables. This allowed the photographer to fully explore and chronicle the daily routines of these stunning Arabian horses.  She meticulously captured the detailed tasks such as care and grooming and transformed these simplistic scenes into art. From images of horses galloping free in the desert to the moving moment of the birth of a foal, she has captured the energy and grace of these impressive athletes for the viewer to experience and admire.  

Her work fittingly pays tribute to Al Shaqab's legendary champions, Marwan Al Shaqab, Gazal Al Shaqab and Al Adeed Al Shaqab. Vanessa von Zitzewitz is the first photographer to capture these famed stallions in their private worlds.  Yet far away from the competitive show ring, these champions are equally as stunning and magnificent shown in their daily environments.

"Through this work, I sincerely hope to share the numerous emotions and magical moments I was able to feel during my unbelievable experience," said von Zitzewitz. "It was an honor to have the opportunity to be with and photograph the most beautiful horses in the world at Al Shaqab in Qatar."

Two years in the making, the book, Horses of Qatar - The Legend of Al Shaqab, is published by teNeues and celebrates the Arabian, a horse that is essential to Qatar's cultural identity and revered world-wide for its beauty and versatility.

The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays and bank holidays.

About the Photographer - Vanessa von Zitzewitz

Vanessa von Zitzewitz is a world famous photographer. She has captured the aura of celebrities and has been involved with prestigious advertising campaigns. An ambassador for Canon, she has exhibited in London, Rome, Tokyo, New York and Paris., and has photographed Carla Bruni, Mick Jagger, Sean Connery, Luciano Pavarotti, Monica Bellucci and George Clooney, among others.

Vanessa von Zitzewitz started her career in photography in 1991, just after graduating from the Parsons School of Design in Paris. The German photographer quickly enjoyed great success and started working for leading luxury brands. She has immortalized the jewelry of brands such as Cartier, Graff, Choppard and Boucheron through a gallery of women's portraits.

Her charity work for the Mercy Center, an orphanage in Bangkok, led to the publication of the captivating book Slaughterhouse Angels, which brings together a series of black and white portraits, published by teNeues.  The book has generated over $300,000 dollars in donations.

The quality and sensitivity of her work is such that famous personalities do not hesitate to pose for von Zitzewitz, as has been the case of Victoria Beckham, for example, for the Elton John Foundation.

In 2008, Vanessa von Zitzewitz was given an award by Unesco for her humanitarian efforts.

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