Photography

Paving my own way

As a photographer, I began my career in my hometown "Kairouan".

At the age of 17, I founded an association with my friends called I-Photo Kairouan, which organized many events related to photography and helped us improve our skills and build a cultural movement in our city.

Street Exhibition

Chadditek 2013

A boy pointing proudly at a photograph in the street exhibition Finding yourself on the wall

The concept behind this project was to embark on a journey to capture the essence of everyday life by taking portraits of ordinary individuals on the bustling streets of Kairouan.

These portraits were then carefully curated, edited, and printed, before being proudly showcased in the main thoroughfare of the city, where passersby could not only marvel at the stunning imagery, but also claim their own photograph as a cherished memento.

Portraits pegged to a line strung across the street in Kairouan Hung in the main thoroughfare
Portraits hung on a line against a painted mural wall Against the mural wall
Children reaching up toward the hung portraits Reaching for the prints

In the aftermath of the 2011 revolution, the people of Kairouan felt a sense of isolation and marginalization. The aim of this project was to instill a renewed appreciation for the art of photography, by celebrating and immortalizing the unassuming and often overlooked members of society.

By providing a platform for these individuals to be recognized and valued, the project aimed to reignite a sense of hope and pride in the community.

Grid of the street portraits captured across Kairouan The portrait series
More portraits from the Chadditek series Faces of the city
Collage of the street portraits shown in the exhibition Ordinary individuals
Exhibition

Stones and Memories

Asad Ibn Al-Furat Cultural Complex · 2014

Fading History — a chair among the rubble of an old Kairouan house, Mahdi Khmili 2014 “Fading History” — Kairouan, 2014

"Stones and Memories" is a fascinating exhibition that not only showcases the beauty of the old city of Kairouan but also highlights the importance of preserving its historical monuments and architecture. The collaboration between "IPhoto Kairouan" and Asad Ibn Al-Furat Cultural Complex brought together a diverse collection of images that depict the neglected old houses and monuments in the city.

The exhibition creates an opportunity to educate the public about the significance of these structures and the need to preserve them for future generations. Through its captivating images, "Stones and Memories" urges us to appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of Kairouan and to take action to ensure its preservation.

Stones and Memories — photographs on the gallery wall The exhibition wall

Additionally, as a photographer, I was honored to participate in this exhibition by contributing my own photographs that capture the beauty and uniqueness of Kairouan's architecture and cultural heritage. It was a rewarding experience to be a part of an event that promotes the preservation and appreciation of such important historical treasures.

Visitors moving through the Stones and Memories exhibition Opening night
Framed photographs and artifacts on the gallery wall Framed works
Visitors at the Stones and Memories opening Viewing the work
Visitors viewing the photographs on easels and walls Through the exhibition