From April 5th to June 30th, 2019 the Maison Denise Masson, an annex of L’Institut Francais de Marrakech is exhibiting “Une Enfance A Marrakech,” A Childhood in Marrakech. The exposition showcases the life and works of Marrakech born Abderrazzak Benchaabane, who holds a Ph.D. in ethnobotany and restored the Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Gardens. Benchaabaneis is a self-taught photographer, poet, perfumer, publisher, and gardener.
The exhibit showcases the photographs Benchaabane took during his travels in the Sahara and the desert regions of Morocco; he has been traveling Morocco since 1981. His work has been displaced in galleries throughout Morocco and Europe. Recently, Benchaabane’s book, Maroc Intime (Intimate Morocco), a black and white photo book resembling a travel journal of the ethnobotanist’s work was published. The pages capture a photo series taken thirty years ago when the women of Mogador were still wearing Haiks, heavy woolen cloaks.
Benchaabane is also the founder of Jardins du Maroc Magazine (Gardens of Morocco) and the Festival Jardin’Art (Garden Art Festival); both publications were created to raise awareness for protecting the environment and promoting the beauty and importance of gardens. His ultimate dream is to share his passion for nature and gardening with Morocco’s youth and to help locals appreciate the country’s beauty and natural resources.