Hicham Benohoud's Surreal Photography Reflects Moroccan Society's Contradictions
Born in 1968 in Marrakech, Hicham Benohoud incorporates elements of the absurd into his portrayal of daily Moroccan life through photography. His images often showcase children or students in surreal contexts, mirroring the "bizarre" aspects of modern Morocco. Lacking formal artistic training, he embarked on his creative path while teaching art, utilizing photography to enhance his lessons. His notable series, La Salle de Classe (1994–2002), offers a critique of the educational system through dream-like visuals and was displayed at the French Cultural Institute in Marrakech in 1998, subsequently leading to exhibitions in France. After his return to Morocco, he produced The Hole (2015) to illustrate societal limitations and Ânes Situ (2012–13) to emphasize contradictions. Currently, Benohoud is focused on personal identity, creating without digital manipulation, and has no ongoing projects.
Key facts
- Hicham Benohoud was born in 1968 in Marrakech, Morocco.
- He began his artistic practice accidentally while teaching art, without prior knowledge of photography as an art form.
- His first exhibition involved laminated, pigment-covered ID card-sized photos of his students.
- The series La Salle de Classe (1994–2002) critiques institutional education through surreal black-and-white images.
- In 1998, he exhibited at the French Cultural Institute in Marrakech, which boosted his career and led to a move to France.
- After returning to Morocco, he created The Hole (2015), depicting people stuck in potholes as a metaphor for societal traps.
- Ânes Situ (2012–13) features street donkeys in luxurious interiors to highlight Morocco's social contradictions.
- Benohoud works without digital manipulation, preferring to create physical sets for his photographs.
Entities
Artists
- Hicham Benohoud
Institutions
- French Cultural Institute in Marrakech
- Canvas
Locations
- Marrakech
- Morocco
- France
- Casablanca