Fakhri El Ghezal's Exhibition Returns Explores Homecoming Through Photography at 32Bis in Tunis

Fakhri El Ghezal's exhibition Returns at 32Bis in Tunis examines the concept of returning home through photographic documentation of journeys. Curated by Hela Djobbi, the show features images capturing landscapes, architecture, and occasional human encounters along routes between Tunis and Akouda. A map at the entrance charts these travels, with calligraphy on walls guiding viewers through the progression. El Ghezal omits his friends who made the journeys, instead presenting elements like dirt roads, parked motorcycles, and migrating birds to evoke travel. Ancestral connections emerge through images of a Tunisian flag, a rosary, a ceramic bowl inscribed "to my mother Beya, the best of all the people," and older figures in plastic chairs. The exhibition title's plural form raises questions about motivations for return, with photographs suggesting visits for celebrations like Eid, funerals, or family reunions. Historical architecture appears throughout, showcasing Islamic cupolas, Roman waterways, and contemporary structures, prompting reflections on colonial history and belonging. An illuminated cabinet displays unused negatives, inviting viewers to consider what aspects of return journeys remain unseen. The exhibition runs until 28 June.