British photographer Alan Keohane, a long-term resident of Morocco, invites viewers on a profound journey through his latest exhibition, “Our Land – Ardna,” unveiled at the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. Spanning three decades, this compelling collection offers an intimate, outsider’s perspective on Morocco’s multifaceted identity, captured through rural landscapes and the vibrant medinas of Marrakech and Fez. Keohane’s unique approach eschews imposed narratives, instead acting as a mirror reflecting the authentic spirit of a nation and its people.
The Odyssey Begins: From Atlas Peaks to Bedouin Sands
Keohane’s photographic voyage commenced in 1986, initially guiding British trekkers through the majestic High Atlas mountains. This early immersion in the region’s rugged beauty laid the groundwork for a deeper engagement. His lens then broadened, spending four years meticulously documenting Bedouin nomads across the Middle East, honing his craft and developing a keen eye for cultural nuances.
Upon his return to Morocco, his focus initially gravitated towards the country’s rural heartland, particularly the communities of southern Morocco. This dedication culminated in his seminal 1991 publication, “Berbers of Morocco,” a testament to his early commitment to capturing indigenous life. By 1994, Keohane had made Morocco his home, settling in the Marrakech countryside with his wife, Joanna, a move that deepened his connection to the land and its inhabitants, prompting an expansion of his photographic scope to embrace the dynamic urban environments.
A Mirror, Not a Master: Keohane’s Unique Methodology
In a world often saturated with fleeting images, Keohane’s methodology stands in stark contrast. He champions a philosophy of deep engagement and long-term relationships over transient captures. “I don’t work quickly. I prefer to revisit the same places, the same families multiple times, building a relationship and documenting the same people, over many years,” he shared with Morocco World News.
The Outsider’s Advantage
Keohane consciously positions himself as an observer, a “guest” in Morocco, rather than an interpreter imposing his own vision. “As a British person living here in Morocco, I’m not Moroccan. This is not my country. I’m a guest here,” he states, emphasizing his role as a documenter. This self-awareness underpins his “mirror-like” approach: “I try to be a mirror. I don’t want to go in and impose and stamp my personality on what I’m photographing.” His ultimate goal is to empower his subjects, allowing their stories and cultural essence to shine through authentically, even when human figures are absent from the frame, as seen in his evocative architectural studies. This outsider perspective, he believes, grants him a unique distance and clarity, enabling a distinct way of documenting the world around him.
Weaving Realities: Artistry and Influence
Keohane’s practice masterfully blurs the lines between pure documentary and carefully constructed compositions. This nuanced approach allows him to delve into the intangible layers of Moroccan identity, capturing elements that resist straightforward representation. His work resonates with the legacy of 19th-century photographic pioneers like the Beato brothers and echoes the influential Morocco series by Irving Penn in the 1970s, placing him within a distinguished lineage of artists who have explored the country’s soul.
Beyond the Obvious: Fact, Fiction, and Identity
He deliberately intertwines fact and fiction, crafting visual narratives that transcend the limitations of conventional documentary photography. His images flow seamlessly between memory, imagination, and lived experience, offering a profound exploration of how belonging and cultural identity are intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life. The “Our Land – Ardna” exhibition, through its intimate scenes of daily life, enduring traditions, and quiet moments, profoundly examines the symbiotic relationship between the Moroccan people and their environment, prioritizing lived cultural identity over mere illustrative or folkloric portrayals.
A Legacy in Focus: Teaching and Future Horizons
Keohane’s influence extends beyond his personal portfolio. During the 1990s, a period when photographic practices in Morocco were still nascent, he taught film photography at the French Institute in Marrakech. Today, he continues to share his expertise, occasionally teaching at ESAV and collaborating with prominent Moroccan photographers such as Daoud Aoulad-Syad, Abderrazzak Benchaâbane, and Karim Ramzi, fostering a new generation of visual storytellers.
Looking ahead, Keohane plans to shift his focus from commercial assignments to dedicate more time to personal projects, including eagerly anticipated book publications with a Casablanca-based publisher – marking his first personal releases in several years. The “Our Land – Ardna” exhibition is currently gracing the lobby corridors of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, with limited-edition prints available for acquisition, offering visitors a chance to take a piece of Morocco’s soul home with them.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
Leave a comment