Nataal has been a fan of Mous Lamrabat’s playful work way before it landed on the cover of our second print issue back in 2019. Since then, the Belgian-Moroccan artist has become a guiding light in contemporary photography and we couldn’t wait to see ‘Homesick’, his solo show at Loft Art Gallery during 1-54 Marrakech. It didn’t disappoint. Despite dealing with feelings of longing and identity, the works on show are as joyful as they are unifying. His distinctive portraits are replete with all of the things we’ve come to expect from this talent – pop culture, traditional motifs, saturated hues, love and of course, his trademark sense of humour. This is what he has to say about the show and his love for Marrakech.

How does it feel to present such a big show in Morocco?

It feels good. It feels really, really good. This is the first time that I did anything in Marrakech, which feels like a second home. Because my first home is always where my parents are, and for now that's Belgium. Home is not because of the place, but because of the people. My parents. But doing a show in Marrakech feels like where it needs to be.  And I think that will now be my main focus. Every time I plan a show, I will plan it like I would show it in Marrakech.

We’re still obsessed with the cover story you shot for Nataal in Morocco.

I’m very thankful for the series of photos that I made for Nataal. That story really elevated my work, somehow. So that's why Nataal has always had a special place for me.

How has ‘Homesick’ been received?

The exhibition has had so much love.  It was ranked quite high during 1-54 art fair so I'm very happy because it's a show that’s close to my heart. It’s something that I just did out of love. I wanted to do it, and didn't think too much about what would be cool or not cool, and that worked out well. Sometimes you have these insecurities. When I was walking through the fair, all the art was how you think art should look like, you know? That kind of made me think that what I'm doing is just playing around, like my art is not serious enough. So, I'm happy that it was well received! 

What is special about Marrakech for you?

Marrakech is my favourite city. Funny thing is, the first time I was in Marrakech, I really didn't like it. I didn't understand it yet, so it was a nightmare. It was way too busy, people in your personal space. Then the second time I got to learn how to be in Marrakech.  And since then, I’ve never stopped going there. It's just such a magical place. I'm not the only one that says this about Marrakech but it's really true. 

Where are your favourite places in the city?

You will not find them on a travel guide because it's always the most basic things. I'm not a fancy person so I don't like to go to fancy places. I prefer these little breakfast snack places. There's the guy that sells homemade doughnuts for 10 cents – with a tea that costs 20 cents. And these are my favourite places. Just the really local, local things. 

How do you feel about the young Moroccan talents coming behind you?

There's this whole new generation that is embracing Moroccan street culture, which is super beautiful to see. They have their own style. It's like this hipster mentality but very local. You can't compare it to anywhere else and that’s very inspiring. How the new generation dresses, how they execute their art, doesn’t really exist in the other worlds. It's a hustle mentality, so the result has to be good and they really don’t care how they achieve that result, which is kind of nice. 

What's the one thing you have to do in Marrakech?

I would say, go to a local hammam. This is something that I truly enjoy. And find someone there that will help you out. Scrub you down. Go through the ritual. Stuff like that. It's really, really nice. 

And then there's also this thing, I'm sure not everybody has access to it, but I get adopted by a local family for a moment. Sometimes it's the driver. Sometimes it's someone you just meet and they invite you over, and you hang around with them for a day. I can't really describe how it feels but it's so special. It shows you a different side of the country. Because you only see what's on the outside but you should also see it from behind the door of a local family who is embracing you.

‘Homesick’ by Mous Lambrabat is on view at Loft Art Gallery, Marrakech, in until 15 March, 2025.