Vernissage PHOTOGRAPHY: The Universal Language

Foto Femme United (Paris) and Musée de la Femme (Marrakech) present the opening of their juried exhibition and winning photographers selection of their collaborative exhibition, Photography: the Universal Language, premiering 20 April 2024.

Foto Femme United (FFU) Paris and Musée de la Femme Marrakesh, proudly announce their joint endeavor: an open call juried photography exhibition titled "Photography: the Universal Language." This exhibition aims to amplify the voices of female and non-binary photographers based in or from to the Arab World MENA region (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen). With a commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity, the exhibition will be hosted at the Musée de la Femme in Marrakesh, Morocco, running from April 20th to October 31, 2024, with the opening scheduled for April 20th at 6 pm. A cocktail dinner will be served at the end of the ceremony

About the Exhibition and Theme

The partnership between FFU and Musée de la Femme honours the diverse narratives within the Arab World by offering a platform for female and non-binary photographers to express their distinct viewpoints. This open call exhibition endeavors to expand cultural comprehension and foster a more inclusive conversation within the art community through the universal language of photography.

Photography stands as the one universal language transcending borders, cultures, and linguistic barriers. Its power lies in the ability to capture moments, emotions, and narratives with visual eloquence that resonates universally. A photograph communicates stories, evokes feelings, and shares experiences without the need for translation. Whether capturing the vibrant tapestry of daily life, the beauty of nature, or the human condition, photography serves as a testament to our shared humanity. It is the one visual art medium that communicates across boundaries, making it a truly global language that speaks to the core of our collective existence.

Winning Photographers

Both FFU and Musée de la Femme proudly extend their congratulations to the 14 winning photographers: Héla Ammar (TN), Luana Bassil (LB), Rehaf Al Batniji (PS), Dhiaa Biya (MA), Fanny Deniau El Maimouni (MA), Hana Gamal (EG), Sara Kontar (SY), Dounia Laggoun (DZ),Hind Moumou (MA), Amina Ounes (DZ), Camélia Shahat (EG), Sarah Smahane Rahhoui (MA), Najat Saidi (MA) and Tanya Traboulsi (LB). Representing submissions from 15 countries across the Arab World MENA region, the participation of these photographers has yielded a vibrant array of diverse and captivating imagery.

Jury

Fatimazohra Seeri

Photographer

Fatimazohra Serri, a 28 year old self taught Moroccan photographer, captures her feelings through the lens of a camera. Her work is centred around exploring the themes of womanhood, femininity, and the relationships between men and women. 

She also sheds light on the challenges faced by women in her society, particularly in its conservative sector.  Serri endeavors to imbue each image with a powerful narrative and message, allowing it to speak for itself.

Lou Tsatsas

Web Editor-in-Chief, Fisheye Magazine

Lou Tsatsas first studied literature and languages before turning to communications during a stay in New York. Back in Paris, she became an editor for a magazine specialising in cultural outings - an experience that nourished her artistic and photographic culture. In January 2018, she joined the Fisheye Magazine team as a web and print journalist, perfecting her knowledge of the medium while developing a particular affection for photographers and their stories. In October 2022, she became web editor-in-chief. Today, she focuses on emerging aesthetics and pays particular attention to the representation of various minorities.

April Wiser

Founder, Foto Femme United

Establishing FFU felt like the natural path for April, a Latinx American with Numunuu origins residing in Paris. Drawing on a background in photography, curation, post-production, and marketing, her varied creative expertise coalesced into a profound understanding of the photography industry. This led to a strong desire and commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for female and non-binary photographers, culminating in the founding of Foto Femme United in 2019.

Participation Statistics

The open call garnered close to 1000 photos submitted by nearly 200 ^photographers from 15 countries across the Arab World MENA region, with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia contributing the highest number of entries.

“We are thrilled with the final outcome and deeply moved by the abundance of talented photographers hailing from this region. It is a great honor for FFU to have been entrusted with this opportunity to contribute to equity by showcasing the work of female and non-binary photographers from or residing in this region” said April Wiser, Founder of Foto Femme United.

About Foto Femme United

Foto Femme United is a startup established and based in Paris, France which fosters the diversity, equity and inclusion of female and non-binary photographers worldwide. We believe that empowering women and non-binary photographers through equity is vital to achieve equality not only in the photo industry, but to the world by raising unheard voices through the one universal language we have: photography.