Leila Alaoui (1982–2016) was a French–Moroccan photographer

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📚 Life and Work

🌱 Early Background

  • Born: July 10, 1982, in Paris, to a Moroccan father and French mother.
  • Raised: Marrakesh, Morocco.
  • Education: Studied photography at Hofstra University and the CUNY Graduate Center in New York.

📸 Artistic Themes

Leila Alaoui’s photography explored migration, displacement, and cultural identity, often highlighting marginalized communities.

Major Projects

  • “Les Marocains” (2010–2014): A series of large‑scale portraits documenting Morocco’s diverse cultural groups, inspired by Irving Penn’s ethnographic style.
  • “No Pasara” (2008): Focused on sub‑Saharan migrants in Morocco, capturing the human face of migration.
  • “Natreen” (2013): Commissioned by the Danish Refugee Council, portraying Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
  • “Crossings” (2013): A video installation about migrants risking their lives to reach Europe.
  • Commercial & NGO Work: She also worked for magazines and humanitarian organizations, blending documentary and fine art.

🖼️ Exhibitions & Legacy

  • Exhibited internationally in Paris, Marrakesh, Beirut, and New York.
  • Her works are part of collections such as Qatar Museums.
  • After her death, the Fondation Leila Alaoui was established to preserve and promote her artistic and humanitarian legacy.

⚠️ Her Death

  • Date: January 18, 2016.
  • Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
  • Context: Alaoui was on assignment for Amnesty International, photographing women’s rights projects.
  • Incident: She was caught in a terrorist attack by Al‑Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) at the Cappuccino café.
  • Outcome: Alaoui suffered severe gunshot wounds and died three days later at age 33.

📊 Summary Table

AspectDetails
Born1982, Paris
RaisedMarrakesh, Morocco
FocusMigration, identity, cultural diversity
Key WorksLes Marocains, No Pasara, Natreen, Crossings
ExhibitionsParis, Marrakesh, Beirut, New York
Death2016, Ouagadougou terrorist attack
LegacyFondation Leila Alaoui

✨ In Summary

Leila Alaoui was a visionary photographer who gave voice to migrants, refugees, and marginalized communities through powerful portraiture and video art. Her life was cut short in a terrorist attack, but her work continues to resonate globally, reminding us of the human dignity at the heart of migration and cultural diversity.

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