Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam Spotlights Hicham Benohoud's 'The Classroom' Through Its Book Club Series
Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam is highlighting Hicham Benohoud's compelling work, "The Classroom," as part of its ongoing Book Club series. This feature delves into a significant photographic project that merges education and art, offering a unique perspective on identity and representation. Visitors to Foam, a prominent cultural institution in Amsterdam, can explore the themes and artistic process behind this insightful publication.
Hicham Benohoud's Vision: Art and Identity in the Classroom
Originating from a period of dissatisfaction with Morocco's traditional schooling in the 1990s, art teacher Hicham Benohoud transformed his classroom into a space for creative exploration. He introduced photography as an educational tool, establishing a darkroom and encouraging his students to express their identities through the camera lens. This innovative approach fostered hands-on, artistic learning beyond conventional methods.
The resulting black-and-white photographs from "The Classroom" series capture a blend of playfulness, tension, and surrealism. Benohoud collaborated with his students to craft imaginative, often absurd scenes using everyday objects and materials. By juxtaposing the mundane classroom environment with these inventive visuals, "The Classroom" (La Salle de Classe) provides a poignant yet playful examination of self-representation in postcolonial Morocco.
Foam's 'Book Club': Discovering Photographic Talents
First published in 2001, "The Classroom" received an updated edition in March 2025 by Loose Joints. This newer version includes additional images from Benohoud's archive and presents a more comprehensive overview of the work. The project remains relevant, offering inspiration for creative educational approaches, including for museum educators.
The introduction to "The Classroom" for Foam's Book Club was written by Lotte Klösters, who manages both the in-house gallery and bookshop at Foam. With a decade of experience focused on photography, Klösters is deeply involved in curating the museum's First Editions program and advising on art acquisitions. The museum's Book Club is designed to showcase favorite publications from both emerging and established figures in the photography world, making significant works accessible to a wider audience. For those interested in acquiring a copy, you can order your copy here.
This feature at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam underscores the museum's commitment to exploring diverse photographic narratives and their societal impact. To learn more about other exhibitions or explore various cultural spots, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can also browse museums or find other interesting locations using the map view.
