Sara Benabdallah

"My work reflects my quest for greater knowledge as a way of honouring  my roots.I made it my mission to share the incredible stories of Moroccan people and to break the stereotypes that foreign people may have about Morocco. One of the themes that I find myself going back to is nostalgia."
- Sara Benabdallah

Sara Benabdallah (Moroccan, b. 1995) emerges not merely as a photographer and filmmaker but as a modern-day bard, weaving tales that echo the vibrant tapestry of Morocco's heritage and culture. Nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech's historic Medina, her roots run deep, nourishing her artistic soul with the essence of her homeland's profound legacy.

Driven by an insatiable urge to unveil the splendor of the Maghreb, Sara Benabdallah embarks on a quest to resurrect the fading echoes of ancient craftsmanship. Collaborating closely with local artisans, she breathes new life into age-old traditions, seamlessly melding tradition with innovation through the lens of contemporary photography.

In her first series, 'Al Astrulabiya', Benabdallah pays homage to the luminaries of Arab astronomy, whose celestial discoveries illuminated the darkest corners of medieval knowledge. Through her lens, she not only immortalizes the brilliance of these trailblazing scholars but also captures the spirit of intellectual curiosity, religious harmony, and cross-cultural exchange that defined the zenith of Arab-Islamic scientific enlightenment.

Yet, Sara Benabdallah's artistic universe does not end with the stars. In her latest series, "Dry Land," she delves into the intricate labyrinth of Moroccan womanhood, unveiling the silent struggles and stifled aspirations of single women in a society bound by rigid cultural norms. Through the prism of fictional narratives, she unveils the veiled truths of gender discrimination and societal judgment, shedding light on the myriad challenges faced by women navigating the treacherous terrain of societal expectations.

With each frame, Sara Benabdallah transcends the boundaries of mere imagery, becoming a harbinger of social change and cultural introspection. Her photographs are not just captured moments but potent whispers of resilience and strenght, challenging the entrenched norms of a patriarchal society and championing the untold narratives of those silenced by convention. Through her lens, she invites us to question, to reflect, and ultimately, to reimagine the world anew.