Photography: The Universal Language

Foto Femme United (FFU), Paris, and Musée de la Femme Marrakech, proudly announce their inaugural collaboration, an open call photography exhibition themed Photography: the Universal Language, aimed at amplifying the voices of female and non-binary photographers based in or from the MENA region (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen). With a commitment to breaking barriers via equity and inclusivity, the exhibition is set to take place at Musée de la Femme in Marrakesh, Morocco, from, 20 April to 31 October 2024, with the opening taking place on 20 April at the museum from 6pm.

It is no secret that the art world has long grappled with issues of representation, with certain regions, cultures, and perspectives being inadvertently sidelined. As a result, the Arab World remains significantly underrepresented in the global art space, a disparity that Foto Femme United and Musée de la Femme confront head-on through this unique open call museum exhibition opportunity.

The collaboration between FFU and Musée de la Femme seeks to celebrate the diversity of narratives within the Arab World, providing a platform for female and non-binary photographers to share their unique perspectives. The open call exhibition addresses broadening cultural understanding, and creating a more inclusive dialogue within the art community through the universal language of photography.

Photography stands as the one universal language transcending borders, cultures, and linguistic barriers. Its power lies in the ability to capture moments, emotions, and narratives with visual eloquence that resonates universally. A photograph communicates stories, evokes feelings, and shares experiences without the need for translation. Whether capturing the vibrant tapestry of daily life, the beauty of nature, or the human condition, photography serves as a testament to our shared humanity. It is the one visual art medium that communicates across boundaries, making it a truly global language that speaks to the core of our collective existence.

"Ever since I was a photography student myself, I've grasped the profound impact and influence that photography holds globally, recognising it as the singular universal language at our disposal. The potential dangers arise when such influence is consistently concentrated in the hands of a select few. It is vital for each of us to contribute to a paradigm shift, ensuring diverse voices are heard within our industry. The time has come for a concerted effort to shift the balance and promote inclusivity through equity," says April Wiser, Founder of Foto Femme United.

"The Musée de la Femme has always recognised the need to increase public awareness of the contribution that women artists have made - and continue to make - to the visual arts, particularly photography. Their work was often seen as inherently less valuable and so was not considered important enough for collecting by museums and other institutions, a practice that continues to this day. And the work continues," says Nizar Gartit, Founder of Musée de la Femme.

Fatimazohra Serri, a 28 year old self taught Moroccan photographer, captures her feelings through the lens of a camera. Her work is centred around exploring the themes of womanhood, femininity, and the relationships between men and women. She also sheds light on the challenges faced by women in her society, particularly in its conservative sector. Serri endeavors to imbue each image with a powerful narrative and message, allowing it to speak for itself.

Lou Tsatsas first studied literature and languages before turning to communications during a stay in New York. Back in Paris, she became an editor for a magazine specialising in cultural outings - an experience that nourished her artistic and photographic culture. In January 2018, she joined the Fisheye Magazine team as a web and print journalist, perfecting her knowledge of the medium while developing a particular affection for photographers and their stories. In October 2022, she became web editor-in-chief. Today, she focuses on emerging aesthetics and pays particular attention to the representation of various minorities.

Establishing FFU felt like the natural path for April, a Latinx American with Numunuu origins residing in Paris. Drawing on a background in photography, curation, post-production, communications and marketing, her varied creative expertise coalesced into a profound understanding of the photography industry. This led to a strong desire and commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for female and non-binary photographers, culminating in the founding of Foto Femme United in 2019.

Female and non-binary photographers 18 years and older based in or from the MENA region (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) can submit up to 5 images based on the theme "Photography: the Universal Language," until 11:59PM GMT on 28 March, 2024. Full open call details can be found here.