Captures Moments of Remembrance, Family, and Marrakech Skyline by Photographer Ismail Zaidy from Morocco

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In the heart of Marrakech, Moroccan photographer Ismail Zaidy began constructing his artistic language from the rooftop of his family home. This humble beginning marked the start of a journey that would take his work to the farthest corners of the world.

Ismail's first significant breakthrough came with the deeply personal series, 3aila, created with his siblings on their rooftop in 2018. The series, a poignant exploration of identity, absence, and love, laid the foundation for his unique photographic style.

The following year, Ismail created the photograph, Timal 7oriya, featuring an orange fabric under a wide sky, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty's torch but distinctly North African. This powerful image, along with others like Touch (2019) and Souls Escape (2021), have become iconic in the world of photography.

In Touch, Ismail captures two veiled figures linked by pink fabric, suggesting strain but also belief in connection. Meanwhile, Souls Escape features a close-up of his sister Fatimazohra's face, delving into themes of self-perception and identity.

Ismail's work, created years apart, shares a psychological arc, weaving together threads of absence, memory, and love. His photographs often feature his younger brother, Othmane, and sister, Fatimazohra, creating a deeply personal narrative that resonates with viewers worldwide.

In 2023, Ismail joined the roster at MAĀT Gallery in Paris, a contemporary art space committed to emerging voices from North Africa and beyond. This milestone marked a new chapter in his career, as he began exploring new mediums, working on commissions, and creating a new body of work, including part two of 3aila.

Ismail's photographs have been featured at prestigious events such as the Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar in 2025, bringing together voices from West Asia and North Africa. One of his artworks, from the Hope (2020) series, even appeared in Times Square, minted with NFT.Kred in 2022. Another piece, Blossom (2021), released with World of Women, explored identity and empowerment in the digital sphere.

Ismail's work often invites interpretations that surprise him, such as a viewer feeling seen without needing to explain themselves. The light hitting the rooftop just right is significant to Ismail, as it is where he starts constructing his artistic language.

The smell of mint tea and sun-dried laundry instantly transports Ismail to his childhood. He holds the phrase "الحمد لله على نعمه" (Praise be to God for His blessings) close to his heart.

As Ismail looks at the last image on his camera roll, a test shot of his sister in a handmade headpiece for an upcoming project, he reflects on the incredible journey his rooftop photos have taken. One thing his younger self would never believe about his life now is that their rooftop photos would travel the world. But for Ismail, this is just the beginning.

Captures Moments of Remembrance, Family, and Marrakech Skyline by Photographer Ismail Zaidy from Morocco