Colors of Brazil: A Cultural Exploration at UM6P Rabat
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Rabat recently hosted the opening of the photographic exhibition "Colors of Brazil," created by Moroccan artist Omar Laaouina. This event was organized in collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy in Morocco and the Instituto Guimarães Rosa. The exhibition, attended by various academic and diplomatic officials, aims to foster visual dialogue between Moroccan and Brazilian cultures, focusing on shared themes of memory, tradition, and Atlantic heritage.
A Photographic Journey Through Salvador de Bahia
"Colors of Brazil" is part of Omar Laaouina's documentary project titled "Brothahood." Through a captivating series of photographs taken in Salvador de Bahia, the artist presents a personal perspective on the rich cultural, social, and human diversity of this iconic Brazilian region. His work highlights the city’s contrasts, artistic expressions, and popular traditions while drawing connections to certain Moroccan cultural practices. Notably, the exhibition draws parallels between the Gnaoua traditions and Capoeira, both of which are deeply rooted in history, memory, and the dynamics of cultural transmission.
During the vernissage, Karim El Aynaoui, the executive vice president of the university and dean of the Faculty of Governance, Economic Sciences, and Social Sciences, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in exposing students to different cultures and international experiences. He underscored the role of cultural exchanges in developing academic and institutional partnerships between Morocco and Brazil, highlighting the potential for future collaborations between the two nations.
Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco, Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, was also present at the opening and praised the exhibition for showcasing the closeness between Moroccan and Brazilian cultures. He noted that culture plays a pivotal role in bringing peoples together and strengthening ties across the Atlantic. According to the ambassador, the Atlantic Ocean serves more as a space for connection rather than a barrier separating societies. He also commended Laaouina’s portrayal of Salvador de Bahia, asserting that the exhibited photographs reflect the daily life and cultural identity of this Brazilian region.
For Laaouina, the exhibition transcends mere aesthetics, transforming into a dialogue between two cultural universes that share sensitivities and common legacies. The Moroccan filmmaker and photographer explained that his work also reflects Moroccan artists' interest in international cultural exchanges and shared memories within the Atlantic space. The vernissage attracted several diplomatic representatives from Latin America, including ambassadors from Chile, Mexico, Panama, and Guatemala, signifying the growing interest in cultural collaborations between Morocco and Latin American countries.
As reported by quid.ma.
