In the labyrinth of the Fez medina, there exists a place where time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages. The tanneries of Fez represent one of the rawest and most fascinating testimonies of Moroccan craft tradition. In this photo reportage, I wanted to document the brutal contrast between the chromatic beauty of the dye vats and the hard labor of the men who, immersed up to their knees in organic substances and pigments, carry on a centuries-old rite.
The lens moved between the pungent smell and the suffocating heat of the terraces, seeking to convey the dignity of an ancient trade that is, at once, sacrifice and art.
Geometries and Pigments: The photographic research focuses on the spectacular geometry of the circular vats, which viewed from above form a mosaic of vibrant colors. I worked on the composition to highlight the contrast between the warm tones of the earth pigments and the bright colors of the dyes, transforming the workplace into an abstract canvas where every shot reveals an unexpected beauty.
The Body and Matter: Beyond the overall vision, I wanted to focus attention on the human aspect. The photographs document the physicality of the work: the tensed muscles, the skin marked by pigments, and the repetitive gestures passed down from generation to generation. Every portrait and every detail of the tanners' hands or feet tells of the toil and resilience needed to survive in this extreme environment.
Light and Atmosphere: Making use of the raking light that filters through the walls of the medina, I sought to recreate the suspended atmosphere of Fez. Photography allows one to dwell on the dust dancing in the air and the dampness of the hides laid out to dry, offering a tactile and profound vision that goes beyond simple tourist documentation.
Creating the project Tanneries of Fez meant confronting a complex reality, where aesthetics collides daily with the harshness of life. This purely photographic work stems from the desire to offer an honest look at one of Morocco's most iconic traditions, putting the photographer's eye at the service of the story. My commitment was to isolate the essence of this place, translating into still images a cultural heritage that continues to live on among the colors and sweat of the medina.
