Sourtna. Carte Blanche to Yoriyas. Moroccan Photographers of Today and Tomorrow

Sourtna. Carte Blanche to Yoriyas. Moroccan Photographers of Today and Tomorrow

The compelling work of Yoriyas, a distinguished photographer and performance artist hailing from Casablanca, offers a profound exploration of urban dynamics. His unique artistic trajectory began with a background as a professional breakdancer, coupled with a deep engagement in mathematics and chess, before his pivotal transition to photography in 2015. Through a vibrant and intuitive lens, Yoriyas delves into the multifaceted utilization of city spaces, meticulously capturing the evolving tapestry of daily life and societal transformation across Morocco and the broader African continent. Garnering international acclaim, his evocative imagery has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, highlighting his significant contribution to contemporary art and the ongoing discourse surrounding urban experience.

Why should you watch this?

This compelling exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the urban landscape anew through the transformative lens of Yoriyas, an artist whose work profoundly explores movement and human interaction within contemporary cityscapes. In an era marked by rapid urbanization and evolving public spaces, Yoriyas’s compositions resonate deeply, inviting viewers to perceive their surroundings with fresh eyes. His distinctive background in dance, mathematics, and chess shines through in his photographic practice, creating images that are not only masterfully balanced but also rich in complex layers, mirroring the intricate dynamics of modern life. Furthermore, this showcase features his latest project, born from a recent residency, which delves into the captivating world of parkour and other performance art forms, directly engaging with the city alongside the Parkour59 association. This exploration underscores the vital role of art in reclaiming and reinterpreting urban environments, offering profound insights into how physical expression can redefine public space and foster new narratives of identity and community. By immersing yourself in Yoriyas’s work, you will uncover how his innovative spirit invites a critical look at the world around us, ensuring you walk away with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of urban existence and human connection in our rapidly evolving world.

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka [Concealment]

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka [Concealment]

Tobias Zielony’s “Maskirovka” offers a striking exploration of Kyiv’s queer techno scene in the wake of the post-Maidan era, blending artistic expression with a profound commentary on societal resistance. This project reflects the duality of its title, capturing moments where identity is both concealed and celebrated amid an unstable political landscape. Through his evocative photographs and a dynamic animated film composed of 5,400 images, Zielony provides a lens into a vibrant, underground community that challenges nationalism and conventional norms. The interplay of nighttime revelry and the stark realities of conflict creates a vivid tapestry, inviting viewers to engage with the multi-faceted narratives of the individuals within, while questioning the representation of Ukraine within broader sociopolitical dialogues. In this nuanced portrayal, Zielony reveals the fragility and resilience of a generation caught between chaos and the pursuit of self-determination.

Why should you watch this?

Tobias Zielony’s “Maskirovka” is a compelling reflection on the resilience and creativity of Kyiv’s queer techno scene, resonating profoundly in today’s world marked by social and political upheaval. Set against the backdrop of the post-Maidan era, this exhibition underscores the ongoing struggle for identity and belonging in the face of repression and misinformation, themes that echo in various global contexts today. By employing the concept of “maskirovka”—a tactic of deception used in conflict—Zielony captures how both artists and activists navigate the complexities of expression and resistance. His photographs and dynamic animated film form a visual narrative that invites critical reflection on the intersection of culture, politics, and personal agency. As societies grapple with fragmentation and polarization, “Maskirovka” reminds us of the power of art to forge connections, challenge norms, and provoke dialogue, making it an essential commentary on contemporary struggles for freedom.