Rabat — Yesterday, Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) hosted an exhibition dedicated to two legends of 20th-century photography – Marc Riboud and Bruno Berbey.
“Regards croisés” aka “Crossed perspectives” has officially opened its doors at the museum in Rabat, and it’s already making waves.
Speaking at the opening, National Museums Foundation President Mehdi Qotbi acknowledged the event’s significance, linking it to the cultural dynamism championed by King Mohammed VI.
He stated that since his “accession, culture and museums have seen remarkable progress, making our country an exemplar.”
He also highlighted the importance of uniting these two global photography icons, affirming that “photography is now a full-fledged art form.”
Qotbi wasn’t just present at the opening – he also gave an exclusive interview to MWN.
Speaking of the two photography icons, the president stated, “They are image-catchers,” Qotbi said. “People with the rare gift to capture a moment and enter history.”
Riboud famously photographed Mao’s China. Barbey, a Magnum photographer, documented wars and cultures with equal depth.
“I admired his work deeply,” Qotbi said of Barbey. “We had planned to exhibit together. But death didn’t give him the chance.”
His wife, Caroline Thienot Barbey, and daughter helped bring the exhibition to life. However, it was Caroline alone who could truly speak of him and of his deep love for Morocco.
In an exclusive interview with MWN, she reflected on his love for Morocco. “My husband has always loved to photograph Morocco,” she shared.
“We talked about it for years, and it never happened. It happened now when he is no more there… but I know he is there, with us, with me and my daughter.”
This profound sense of his presence extends to her cinematic tributes, as she described the movie she filmed of her husband in Morroco as a capture of how “he is still alive somewhere.”
As visitors exited “Crossed Perspectives” , they carried more than memories of striking images.They bear witness to photography’s power to moving time.
In case you are intrigued, the exhibition is now open to the public. Make sure to enjoy it!