Moroccan-British photographer Hassan Hajjaj presents "People of My Time" at Hannah Traore Gallery, showcasing portraits that span twenty years of his work. The exhibition merges elements from North African culture with British street aesthetic, displayed through February and March 2025.
The collection features recognizable faces including model Imaan Hammam, painter Che Lovelace, DJ Honey Dijon, actress Sarah Perles, and musician Afrikan Boy. Each subject is photographed against textiles and patterns common in Moroccan marketplaces, while their styling incorporates elements of London's fashion scene.
Hajjaj, who split his youth between Larache and London, frames each photograph using recycled floor mats from Moroccan medinas. These frames add texture and context to the portraits, connecting the modern subjects to traditional craft materials.
"My work comes from living between cultures", Hajjaj said. "The photographs open a window into spaces where these different worlds meet".
The gallery has transformed part of its space into a replica of "Jajjah", the artist's Marrakesh tearoom. Visitors can sit among colorful furnishings and textiles that mirror the aesthetic of Hajjaj's portraits.
Location and Details:
Hannah Traore Gallery
150 Orchard St
New York, NY 10002
February 13 - March 29, 2025
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.