Austin has always been a colorful city that attracts artists from around the world. Every Month Miller IDS showcases Austin’s creative energy by highlighting a resident artist and their work. We love being a trusted resource for painters, illustrators, designers, and visual artists and, in turn, show our gratitude to the talented folks that keep returning for the highest-quality prints in the city.
Featured Artist: Ali Khataw
August 2015: We are very proud this month to feature the photography of Ali Khataw, an accomplished entrepreneur, photographer and philanthropist.
The Central Texas business community knows Ali Khataw as the founder of Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc. a leading engineering firm specializing in MEP, Structural, Civil and Transportation Engineering. However, Ali is also an avid artist and adventurer and is increasingly known for his insightful photography, which not only documents his extensive travels and experiences, but reflects the socioeconomic issues of the countries he visits and helps direct help to those issues through Photo Philanthropy. In Ali’s own words:
“My desire to help others and use art to make a difference has inspired me to delve into the world of Photo Philanthropy. Images have an undeniable power, and I want to harness that power and use it to better the conditions of living for those in the world who are not lucky enough to enjoy the luxuries many of us have been blessed with. By means of non-profit organizations and charities, all the proceeds from this website will benefit those in need around the globe.”
Ali regularly donates his photographs to auctions supporting local charities as well and his photography website (www.khataw.com) is based on the concept of encouraging charitable contributions. All proceeds from his photography are given to organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. The stunning image featured is from Ali’s visit to Namibia. He notes, “We stopped at an abandoned Ghost Town in Kolmanskop. I saw a good composition through one of the broken windows. With a little assistance from a friend, I was able to climb into this abandoned house. The desert sand finds its way into these abandoned houses through open doors and windows. Driven by the enormous wealth of the first diamond miners, the residents built the village in the architectural style of a German town. The town declined after World War I when the diamond-field was slowly exhausted and was ultimately abandoned in 1954.”
Published in National Geographic Magazine (2014), Ali’s work has also been featured in multiple galleries, exhibitions and the homes and offices of many lucky Austinites. Current list of Photography Exhibitions/Shows in Austin: o Monkey Nest Coffee Shop: July 2011 o Serengeti Coffee at AIA Austin: April 17 –May 31, 2013 o Lifescapes at Gallery at the J: March 3 – April 15, 2015 o Faces of Humanity at the Asian American Resource Center: April 6 – July 31, 2015. (More at www.khataw.com)
A proud resident of Austin for more than 30 years, Mr. Khataw, his wife, Nahid Khataw, and their two children, Zain & Salva, are dedicated to making their community a strong, sustainable, family-oriented place.