Alaoui was tragically killed in the terrorist attacks in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, in January 2016.
Alaoui traveled with a mobile photography studio, so that she could photograph her subjects privately, in respect of Moroccan customs.
“Since many Moroccans have rarely been photographed in this manner, no direction was needed as they naturally strike the same straightforward pose, looking intensely into the camera” said Alaoui. “Intimated by the burst of the flash, they automatically step out of the studio after the first click, leaving me only with a one shot opportunity.”
Here, her experiences must be from the rural and mountain communities of Morocco, as everyone who has been to the urban areas of Marrakesh, Casablanca or Essaouira know that Moroccans can take a selfie or send out a stream of Snapchats like the best (or worst) of us!
We can expect exhibitions to render hommage to this talented artist whose life and art has been cruelly cut short. Make sure to go if there is one near you, because the portraits are even more impressive printed life size.
Souk of Boumia, Middle Atlas, 2011
