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For Yassine Alaoui Ismaili, Casablanca shouldn’t be linked to the American movie that was directed by Michael Curtis in the 40's, it has certainly more things to share. For that reason, he created «Casablanca not the Movie» a series of photos that was selected on the 26th of April by New York Lens Blog’s notorious competition «New York Portofolio». In a journey to New York, Yassine’s work will be reviewed by six private critiques on Saturday 29th of April.
«It is a very prestigious thing to be selected by New York Portofolio» Yassine told Yabiladi when asked about the contest that is organized by New York Times Lens blog and the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism. The 33 year-old man, also known as Yoriyas on the internet, has so much love for the city. «I want to honor Casablanca through my photography and portray all the corners I visited during my journey as a break dancer», Alaoui explained.
Casablanca as opposed to the movie
Living in Hay Moulay Rachid and working in Ain Diab, Yassine had the chance to witness and examine the differences between the two areas. The streets of Casablanca, the people, and the authentic vibes would later become photos when Yassine decided to be a photographer. «Travelling as a dancer made me discover many things» Yoriyas said, «I was able to look at my town from a different perspective, as an insider who finally had the chance to be an outsider. It was like getting out of a cocoon», he added.
The series according to Yassine is meant to deliver a serious image about his city away from the stereotype surrounding Morocco and North Africa. For him, it is a reference for all those who are interested in knowing what the streets of the metropolis look like.
«When I first started Photography, I googled Casablanca and all I found was pictures of the Hassan II mosque, photos of beggars and criminals. It was completely different from what I wanted to show», Yassine sighed.
Looking at the artist’s photographs, one must admit that he is a talented man. Taking pictures of men, women, venders and strangers, he was able to shed light on the contradictions that the pavements of the city carry. Alongside «Casablanca not the Movie», Yassine is invited to New York in June to visit one of the persons he photographed earlier this year in his project «Double Amputee Breakdancer». The series was later broadcasted by the BBC through a reportage featuring Emeer Guesmi, a disabled break dancer.
