Mehdi Bahmed’s staged photography creates its own worlds with often surreal features right up to hyperreality. His imagery is strongly influenced by painting and cinema in its content and style. Integration and rising nationalism in Europe are highly topical themes that outline the area of tension of this series. This topic is closely linked to his own biography. His mother is a French catholic, his father an Algerian muslim. Bahmed’s work tries to create an alternative space for encounter, reflection and dialogue. How does staged photography work in comparison to documentary images? How different is the influence on the audience? How should an image be build to create an insight into the inner world and emotions of the protagonist. Is the use of a highly aestheticised photography for the reflection on current and in some cases very tragic events counterproductive? These questions permanently concerned Mehdi Bahmed throughout this series of work.

Jan 13 — Feb 16, 2018
Opening Reception: Friday, Jan 12, 7 pm
Finissage: Friday, Feb 16, 6 pm

okazi gallery

Türrschmidtstraße 18, 10317 Berlin
[Rummelsburg | Lichtenberg]

Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sun 2 – 6 pm, and by appointment (+49 179 134 060 7)

Admission free