Hicham Benohoud’s "The Classroom": A Photographic Exploration of Education and Identity

Moroccan artist Hicham Benohoud’s latest photobook, The Classroom, offers a profound examination of the interplay between education, authority, and postcolonial identity. Through a series of evocative black-and-white photographs, Benohoud captures the essence of student life within Morocco‘s rigid educational system during the 1990s. (dazed.me)

The Genesis of "The Classroom"

Between 1994 and 2002, Benohoud, an art teacher in Morocco, collaborated with his students to create a series of staged photographs that challenged the conventional norms of the classroom. Frustrated by the constraints of the educational system, he transformed his classroom into a makeshift studio, encouraging students to engage in creative expression beyond traditional boundaries. (creativereview.co.uk)

Themes Explored in the Photographs

The images in The Classroom delve into themes of confinement, control, and the quest for identity. Benohoud utilized everyday materials—such as paper, fabric, string, and tape—to construct props and settings that symbolized the limitations imposed by society. These elements served as metaphors for the societal and educational constraints faced by the students. (creativereview.co.uk)

The Role of the Classroom as a Space

The classroom, traditionally a place of learning, is reimagined in Benohoud’s photographs as a space of both confinement and potential liberation. By introducing elements of play and experimentation, the students redefine their surroundings, challenging the rigidity of the educational environment. (dazed.me)

The Significance of the Photobook

Published by Loose Joints, The Classroom compiles these powerful images, offering a comprehensive appraisal of Benohoud’s work. The photobook includes an excerpt from Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish, providing a theoretical framework that enhances the understanding of the themes explored in the series. (loosejoints.biz)

About Hicham Benohoud

Born in Marrakech in 1968, Hicham Benohoud is a Moroccan visual artist renowned for his innovative photography that blends elements of painting and performance. His work often explores identity politics and power relations, with The Classroom being a seminal series that reflects his artistic vision and critique of societal norms. (loosejoints.biz)

Conclusion

The Classroom by Hicham Benohoud is a compelling exploration of the complexities of education, identity, and societal constraints. Through his collaboration with students and the use of staged photography, Benohoud invites viewers to reflect on the dynamics of power and the potential for creative expression within structured environments.

For those interested in delving deeper into this thought-provoking work, The Classroom is available for purchase through Loose Joints Publishing. (loosejoints.biz)