Yto Barrada
Egypt/USA | Photography
Renowned for his hand-painted photographs that blend cinematic aesthetics with themes of memory, identity, and nostalgia.
Exhibitions
"Yto Barrada: A Life Full of Holes – The Strait Project"
2006 - Aperture Gallery, New York, USA
A solo exhibition featuring Barrada’s photographic series that explores the socio-political realities of life in Tangier, Morocco, focusing on the city’s relationship with Europe and the impact of migration. The exhibition was notable for its critical engagement with themes of border politics and urban transformation.
"Rencontres d'Arles: Here and Elsewhere"
2007 - Arles, France
Group exhibition where Barrada’s work was showcased among other contemporary photographers, exploring the complexities of identity, displacement, and the narratives of migration across the Mediterranean.
"Yto Barrada: Riffs"
2012 - WIELS Contemporary Art Centre, Brussels, Belgium (traveled to multiple venues including MACBA in Barcelona and the Renaissance Society in Chicago)
A solo exhibition that provided a comprehensive survey of Barrada’s work, including photography, video, and installation. "Riffs" focused on the artist’s exploration of Tangier’s socio-political landscape, reflecting on themes of memory, identity, and the interplay between tradition and modernity.
"The Power Plant: Yto Barrada"
2017 - The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada
A solo exhibition that featured Barrada’s recent works, including photography, film, and sculpture. The exhibition highlighted her interest in the intersection of history, memory, and urban development, particularly in the context of Morocco’s modernization.
"Biennale de Lyon"
2009 - Lyon, France
Group exhibition where Barrada’s work was included, focusing on contemporary art’s engagement with global socio-political issues. Her contributions reflected on the themes of migration, border politics, and the tension between local and global identities.
"Yto Barrada: Faux Guide"
2019 - The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA
A solo exhibition where Barrada explored themes of cultural heritage, archeology, and the legacy of colonialism in Morocco. The works in this exhibition combined photography, sculpture, and installation to critically examine the narratives surrounding national identity and history.