Sole Connections is a photographic series that explores the meaning of brotherhood in Sakib Saboor’s life as a Norwegian-Pakistani man. Through three photographs, the artist portrays community and belonging while challenging stereotypes related to identity and culture. The images depict Saboor’s four nephews dressed in traditional garments, complemented by prayer caps and iconic Air Force 1 sneakers – a combination that reflects his identity between East and West.

Inspired by fashion, family, and Bollywood, Saboor blends different cultural elements to create an aesthetic and meaningful narrative. The series is staged, yet inspired by a spontaneous moment many years ago when all his nephews happened to be dressed alike – a memory he chose to recreate.

The snow-covered landscape provides a striking contrast to the warmth between the brothers, while reinforcing the project’s message of challenging taboos around male vulnerability. Sole Connections highlights brotherhood as a universal value and offers a nuanced and positive perspective on community and belonging.

The work is part of the Østlandsutstillingen 2025 and was exhibited at Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art and Galleri Fjordheim in Biri.

The Østlandsutstillingen (The Eastern Norway Exhibition) is an annual juried touring exhibition that showcases contemporary art from artists connected to the Østlandet region of Norway, including Oslo, Akershus, Vestfold, Østfold, Buskerud, and Innlandet. Founded in the late 1970s, it has become an important platform for emerging and established artists alike, emphasizing diversity in artistic expression across disciplines. 

In 2025, the exhibition received 766 submissions, from which a professional jury selected 25 artists presenting 41 works. The jury consisted of Ann Kristin Aas, Serina Erfjord, Lars Sandås, Kathrine Wilson, Ifrah Osman, and Josephine Lindstrøm. That year, the exhibition toured several venues in Eastern Norway, opening at Nitja Centre for Contemporary Art in Lillestrøm (March–April) before continuing to Oplandia Centre for Contemporary Art in Lillehammer and Galleri Fjordheim in Biri (August–September).