On June 17, 2026, renowned filmmaker and photographer Daoud Oulad Sid presented his latest photographic collection at the Doula Croix Gallery in Tangier. This exhibition showcased a series of striking images taken in 1981 in Marrakech, a selection that had remained unseen until this recent event. The artist's intimate portrayal of the city and its evolution offers a compelling narrative that resonates with the rich history and cultural fabric of Morocco.
Oulad Sid's photographs serve as a visual history of Marrakech, capturing its transformation over the decades. Each image is a poignant commentary on the socio-cultural changes within the city, reflecting the lives of its inhabitants and the collective memory that defines them. Through a meticulous process of visual disassembly, Oulad Sid challenges the viewer to confront the realities of time and change, evoking existential questions about the past and its relevance in today’s context.
The exhibition drew a diverse audience of artists, intellectuals, and literary figures who have followed Oulad Sid's work since the 1980s. As one of the most prominent photographers in Morocco, he is recognized for his innovative approach to both photography and cinema. Currently, he seeks to unlock his extensive photographic archive, rich with images and encounters that encapsulate the essence of Moroccan reality.
The significance of this exhibition lies not only in the images presented but in Oulad Sid's deep connection to the concept of memory. He describes this memory as a structure imbued with the essence of heritage and the whispers of history that course through Marrakech, transforming it into an almost iconic city emerging from the depths of obscurity. In Oulad Sid's work, memory plays a crucial role in unraveling the threads of narrative, offering a visually engaging experience that simultaneously presents the city as it was while inviting the viewer into a realm of photographic imagination.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
