Organized in partnership with the National Foundation of Museums as part of the 4th edition of the Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech, it is also a questioning of the simplistic image attributed to the veil, reducing it to a symbol of submission, of confinement, repression and violence. “Beyond the aesthetic and mystical aspect, this exhibition also invites us to change our view of the veil and to break with preconceived ideas and prejudices as well as to stimulate reflection on all forms of exclusion in our system social”, underlines in a statement to MAP, Angèle Etoundi Essamba, artist of Cameroonian origin, whose artistic works celebrate women, her favorite subject for 40 years. In this exhibition, which is inspired by a trip by the artist to Zanzibar (Tanzania), Angèle Etoundi Essamba uses photography as a medium to show an image of the veiled woman beyond stereotypes. “”Veils and revelations” is an invitation to change our outlook on all forms of exclusion and the acceptance of the Other in their difference,” she says on this subject. “The women I met during my travels fascinated me by their way of wearing the veil with great freedom and elegance. » Selma Naguib, curator of the exhibition, notes that for this artist, the veil is a symbol of audacity and freedom for these African women, indicating that this exhibition represents a real message of tolerance in a world where the wearing of the veil is stigmatized and surrounded by stereotypes. “Behind these veils, enthusiasts of photographic art will be able to discover autonomous and free African women, whose veil was not imposed on them,” she explains. “The photos in this series were taken in Africa’s magnificent landscapes, which convey the diversity and natural beauty of the continent.”
Neither submissive nor exotic
Born in Douala in 1962, Angèle Etoundi Essamba, who lives and works in Amsterdam, wishes to show women “beyond stereotypes” in her photographic works. His African heritage plays a prominent role in his art. Taken in different countries and different places of life, his photographic portraits of African women testify to their “pride, their strength and their self-awareness”. Her work challenges and breaks with stereotypical representations of African women, often portrayed as submissive, passive, dependent, exotic and confined to certain roles. His works have been exhibited in museums, institutions, Biennales, fairs and galleries in Europe, Africa, the United States, Latin America and Asia. This year as part of the Marrakech Meetings, a special place is given to women photographers, with two highlights: carte blanche dedicated to Afghan women and the African diaspora, highlighting their resilience and their hopes, as well as the exhibition “Regard de Femmes” which will present the work of three internationally renowned photographers: in addition to Angèle Etoundi Essamba, Cynthia Benjamin Copper and Mina Kawachy.
With MAP
