nomads
En/Fr/Es
Between October and November 2021 we did Qafila Khamisa, the 5th caravan since we started Project Qafila, a practical research on caravans (and many other things). We went from Chinguetti to Tidjikja (Mauritania), a 280 km trek we did in 13 days. You will find all the information clicking on the image.
Some thoughts on dimensions we should learn to navigate in the desert.
On September 26th and 27th I will participate in a workshop where we will discuss the possibilities of the bassin of river Noun in Guelmim (Morocco) to be classified as World Heritage Site. It is organised by the association Oasian Noun, the National Institut of Archaeology and Heritage (INSAP), the Ministry of Culture and the Academia of the Kingdom of Morocco.
This is the program:
As a continuation of our practical research on caravans (in the framework of Project Qafila), we are already working on Qafila Rabiaa: Episode 1.
The first episode will be a short trek of 7 days (90 km) starting near Zagora and arriving to M’hamid El Ghizlane. Dates will be the last week of October or the first one of November. It has been thought to introduce some contemporary artists and researches to nomad life in the Saharan desert.
This is a possible route:
More information coming soon.
Conversation qui a eu lieu au centre culturel LE 18 à Marrakech le 17 avril 2019, avec les artistes Mohamed Arejdal, M'Barek Bouhchichi, Laila Hida, Claudia Triozzi et l’architecte Carlos Perez Marin, ayant fait l'expérience de la résidence Caravane Tighmert dans le passé et qui répondent aux questions de la contemporanéité du désert et de la place de la culture contemporaine dans la société marocaine.
Par ailleurs des étudiants des écoles d'art de Tétouan (INBA) et Paris-Cergy (ENSAPC) ont parlé de leurs expériences après l’atelier une semaine que nous avons organisé à Tighmert dans le cadre de Caravane Tighmert 2019 et de leur restitution (dessins, vidéos, installations, photographies et performance) montrée ce soir même au 18.
Conferencia del pasado 12 de febrero 2019 en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Mariemma” de Madrid sobre espacios desérticos y creación contemporánea, basado en nuestras experiencias en el desierto y especialmente con los proyectos Caravane Tighmert y Project Qafila.
Le 18 is an independent culture centre based in Marrakesh. Last week they presented a new publication on contemporary art with contributors that have participated to their multiples art activities. Its founder, Moroccan photographer Laila Hida, asked me to share my research on caravans, in the framework of Project Qafila, but from her own perspective, approaching the narration of my travel story by the fictionality that allows the internet tools.
When I started Project Qafila in 2016 I wanted to use only analog cameras, for pictures and for videos, in order to do not carry extra batteries or a solar charger. For Qafila Oula I used Sprocket Rocket and Lomokino cameras with different Ilford films (Hp5 plus 400, Delta 400 and XP2 400).
Pictures taken with the Lomokino:
Video made with the Lomokino:
In 2017, for Beyond Qafila Thania, I used again the Sprocket Rocket and I tried a 16mm Bolex SBM but it stopped working from the second shot
These are the pictures taken with the Sprocket Rocket using 400 Ilford films:
In 2018, after sending the Bolex to be repaired, I could use it but it broke partially, being able to shot not more than 4 seconds during Qafila Thalitha:
For pictures I used for the first time a Leica M6 with Kodak Tri-X 400 TX films.
This year I had the chance to talk in Ceuta, Fez, Zagora, Bir Gandouz (Dakhla) and Marrakesh about Saharan caravans, architectural heritage, nomadism, territory and urban planning in the desert, water and contemporary culture. Thanks a lot to Aula permanente de formación abierta (Granada University), Takafes, Forum International des Oasis, Ministère de l’Aménagement (Morocco) and Le 18 for trusting me.
QAFILA THALITHA STORY MAP is an interactive map with pictures, videos, texts and the exactly route we followed during this practical research on caravans we develop in the framework of Marsad Drâa. More information: www.projectqafila.com
In October we did Qafila Thalitha, the third part of a practical research on caravans. We walked 330km between Tissint (Tata) and Tighmert (Guelmim) in the Moroccan desert. The logistic was provided by Said Razgui and his brother Mouloud and the nomad Omar came with me.
Us usual we tried several mediums and formats to document the experience. This is the uncut version of the video made with a 16mm Bolex.
More information in: www.projectqafila.com
After Qafila Oula et Beyond Qafila Thania, it is time to start working on Qafila Thalitha (the third caravan) that we will do in October 2018.
More information on Project Qafila: www.projectqafila.com
Voici quelques réflexions sur l'aménagement du territoire en régions oasiennes faites lors de ma participation au 5ème Forum International des oasis de Zagora
En français mais avec une introduction et un résumé de la part du modérateur (Mohamed Boussalh) en arabe.
This week we will talk about regional planning in desert regions, considering the oasis but also the nomad territory.
It will be in the frame of the International Forum of the Oases that will take place in Zagora, Morocco, from the 24th to the 27th February.
In 2010 I came to the desert for the first time. 7 years laters my researches brought me from architectural habitats to non architectural habitats. This a a description of my journey. (Click on the image).
