The exhibition, titled “Essaouira – Haize Uria” (Essaouira – The City of the Wind), open to the public from January 16 to February 18, takes visitors on a visual journey through the last two decades of the artist’s life Spanish in Morocco.
The exhibition consists of two parts. The first presents a series of twelve black and white portraits of people native to the High Atlas, including the author’s own children, who constitute an emotional bridge between their Basque identity and Amazigh culture.
The second part includes twenty photographs representing Gorriti’s twenty years of experience in Morocco, printed on a special paper with a unique texture.
With this exhibition, Gorriti seeks to create a universe of his own in his photographs, with a common aesthetic and a sense of nostalgia that evokes past and present travels in Morocco.
The images, taken mostly in open natural spaces which bear witness to this personal journey over the years, are in large format in black and white technique, on which the author prints color textures intended to evoke situations on the substrate dreamlike.
Most of the photos represent urban and natural environments where anonymous natives coexist, fleeting protagonists who acquire permanent value.
Through these images and their treatment, we perceive the author’s passion for capturing moments where the language of the landscape, observation and the human capacity to abstract oneself in one’s thoughts or to strengthen communication links are valued. and fraternity.
This retrospective shows Gorriti’s gratitude and admiration for the city’s residents and their generosity, which broke down linguistic and cultural barriers from the very beginning.
“In this world city where deserts, sea and land separate us, there is much more that unites us. This is the essence of this lovingly designed exhibition, which we will take with us as a reflection after our visit “, underlines the Spanish artist in a presentation note for the exhibition.
“Essaouira is a city where the trade winds blow over the beaches and where the sky is light and calm, its inhabitants indulge in the pleasure of daily conversation by the port and the embrace of the Atlantic Ocean. seagulls fly over the walls of the medina and observe the horizon while passers-by stroll through the streets where the inimitable smell of the coast and saltpeter floats. Time seems to pass more slowly, inviting us to enjoy the essence. of this coastal enclave and, above all, of the warmth of those who open their doors to their neighbors and visitors without expecting anything in return,” writes Gorriti.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the fascinating exhibition “Essaouira – Haize Uria” by the talented artist Gorriti. With us is cultural expert Dr. Isabelle Martinez, who specializes in contemporary photography and cross-cultural narratives. Dr. Martinez, can you start by sharing your thoughts on the significance of this exhibition?
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: Thank you for having me! “Essaouira – Haize Uria” is a compelling exhibition that intricately weaves together themes of identity, culture, and nostalgia. Gorriti’s choice to feature portraits of people from the High Atlas region highlights not only the beauty of these individuals but also the deep-rooted connections between his Basque heritage and the Amazigh culture of Morocco. This dialogue between cultures is essential in understanding the nuances of identity today.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, it seems to be a powerful emotional bridge. The first part of the exhibition focuses on twelve black-and-white portraits. Can you elaborate on the artistic choices behind this format?
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: Certainly! The use of black-and-white photography is particularly evocative. It strips away distractions, allowing viewers to focus on the raw emotions and expressions of the subjects. By including his own children in these portraits, Gorriti personalizes the narrative, inviting us to see how cultural identity is passed through generations. This element of familial connection makes the work more relatable and profound, encouraging viewers to inspect their own connections to heritage.
Time.news Editor: That’s insightful. The second part of the exhibition showcases Gorriti’s twenty years in Morocco through photographs printed on unique textured paper. How do you think this contributes to the overall experience?
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: The choice of special paper adds a tactile dimension to the viewing experience, almost inviting viewers to interact with the images on a sensory level. It enriches the photographs, enhancing the dreamlike quality that Gorriti aims to evoke. By integrating color textures on black-and-white images, he creates a surrealist style that bridges reality and imagination, which mirrors the dreamlike nature of travel and memory. This technique encourages viewers to engage not just with the visuals, but with the layers of meaning imbued in each piece.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the exhibition evokes nostalgia. How does Gorriti’s work encapsulate the essence of past and present travel in Morocco?
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: Nostalgia is a powerful theme in Gorriti’s work, as he captures moments that resonate deeply with those who have traveled through Morocco. Each photograph tells a story that connects past experiences with the current moment. By focusing on natural landscapes and the dynamic interactions within these spaces, he allows the audience to relive their own stories and memories of travel, drawing parallels to his personal journey over the years. This creates a shared experience between the artist and the viewer, a re-exploration of both individual and collective histories.
Time.news Editor: That’s beautifully articulated. For someone planning to visit the exhibition, what key takeaways should they look for?
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: Visitors should be open to emotional exploration. They should look for those intimate connections in the portraits, the stories behind each subject, and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in the printing techniques. Additionally, engaging with Gorriti’s journey via the photographs of Moroccan landscapes can invoke reflections on their own travels and cultural identities. Ultimately, it’s about embracing the complexity of belonging—how we navigate our identities within a tapestry of cultural influences.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this remarkable exhibition. It’s clear that “Essaouira – Haize Uria” is more than just a display of art; it’s a meaningful exploration of identity and culture that invites all of us to reflect on our own connections to the world.
Dr. Isabelle Martinez: Thank you for having me. I’m excited for everyone to experience Gorriti’s poignant work!