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Marrakech – The French Institute Gallery is currently hosting “Reason and Revelation: A Visual Exploration of the Spiritual Dimensions of Fes,” a captivating photography exhibition by Moroccan artist Omar Chennafi.
The exhibition, which opened on June 7 and will run until July 17, offers a profound insight into the spiritual and intellectual heritage of Fez, the renowned spiritual capital of Morocco.
Omar Chennafi, a native of Fez, embarked on his photographic journey in 2007. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Time Magazine and the Huffington Post, and he has served as the official photographer for the prestigious Sacred Music Festival of Fez.
Chennafi’s expertise extends beyond photography, as he has also worked as a cultural manager and curator, implementing various educational workshops, festivals, and cultural exchange programs between institutions and artists worldwide.
Through his lens, Chennafi invites viewers to delve into the ancient streets of Fez, where he grew up, and explore the essence and spiritual source of the city.
Read also: I Didn’t Choose to Be a Photographer, Photography Chose Me: Omar Chennafi
Each photograph in the exhibition unveils a world where the divine and the earthly converge, revealing the invisible forces that shape the diverse identity of Moroccans and resonate within the broader African and Muslim communities.
“Reason and Revelation” pays homage to the spiritual heritage of Fez, highlighting the millennia-old sanctity that permeates the city’s fabric.
In keeping with the renowned philosopher Ibn Rushd’s belief in the complementarity of reason and revelation, the exhibition seeks to understand the sacred through a rational and philosophical lens.
Chennafi’s work aims to create a synergy between diverse cultural entities and develop unique forms of cultural collaboration, bridging traditional and contemporary art in Morocco.
He is the founder of the International Artists Gathering of Fez and Fez Art Lab, initiatives that further demonstrate his commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
The exhibition is a must-see for those interested in exploring the profound spiritual dimensions of Fez and gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s role as a beacon of enlightenment in the Islamic tradition.
