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Achraf Baznani is known worldwide as a surrealist photographer who uses everyday scenes to transport viewers to a different world. His art makes you question your own reality, wondering why things are the way they are and what other meanings aspects of our lives can hold. It taps into your unconscious and exploits it to curate a specific idea or belief. Baznani isn’t of the stereotypical variety. He’s incredibly talented at what he does and completely unique in his ideas. His art is about exploration.
He draws on his inspirations to create photographs that the human mind can’t believe or trust, stating his reasoning for choosing surrealism as “Because we need a break from reality.”
Website: https://www.baznani.com/
THE WILD WORLD OF ACHRAF BAZNANI
Achraf Baznani is known worldwide as a surrealist photographer who uses everyday scenes to transport viewers to a different world. His art makes you question your own reality, wondering why things are the way they are and what other meanings aspects of our lives can hold. It taps into your unconscious and exploits it to curate a specific idea or belief. Baznani isn’t of the stereotypical variety. He’s incredibly talented at what he does and completely unique in his ideas. His art is about exploration.
Perhaps what’s most interesting about Achraf Baznani’s art is his choice of subject. While most surrealist photographers and other artists set out to challenge people’s preconceived ideas about the world, this effect in Baznani’s photography and composites is merely a secondary benefit. His work mainly features himself. This style is indicative of a man trying to find and understand himself, and he does so through a literal lens. By making himself a subject, he can also contribute to political and social commentary by expressing the idea rather than being a staunch example of it. He believes that taking his art seriously and using himself as a tool to do that has been instrumental to his success.
Throughout his career as a photographer, this Moroccan artist has intrigued the world. Starting with only a modest Kodak Ektra 250 camera and some self-teaching, he was the first in the Arab world to publish a surreal photography photo-book, called Through My Lens, and published another called Inside My Dreams. Despite being a photographer, Baznani spends most of his time behind a computer screen creating beautiful, surreal composites of multiple images. His concepts derive from experimentation and toying with new ideas. He’s been doing this since he was young, starting with drawing before receiving the Kodak camera as a birthday gift.
After becoming hooked on photography, Baznani began experimenting with film and documentaries. He has released multiple, most of which are award-winning. His directorship has been renowned worldwide for the skilful portrayal of his subjects. However, despite his success in the film industry, his heart remained with photography.
In his photography, he draws inspiration from people. By meeting new people and learning from strangers, he’s better able to keep inspiration alive and continually grow from it. He also credits other famous photographers, such as Robert Capa from Hungary, known for “The Falling Soldier” photograph, as an inspiration for his work.
He draws on his inspirations to create photographs that the human mind can’t believe or trust, stating his reasoning for choosing surrealism as “Because we need a break from reality.”
Our mind takes a break from the world by dreaming. Baznani’s photography transports viewers to a dreamlike world where anything is possible.
He’s a magician without a wand.
Website: https://www.baznani.com/
email: achraf@baznani.com
