I visited Rabat last February to make a video, however Rabat is very different from Marrakech and not particularly tourist driven; more like Manchester in the sun.
My original concept was based on perceived vulnerably, peoples interactions and the gaze based on negotiating ones way through a highly charged intensely busy souk, rich in bartering and hassle. The concept altered to accommodate the fact that Rabat is not tourist driven and at this point I decided to not feature myself in the work after a discussion with an artist friend Hatim Gueddari.
Hatim Gueddari an artist and interpreter for my project who has known Tofic since Theatre school introduced singer and performer Toufik Elbouchit to me. I met with Toufik to propose my ideas for the video and record his unseeing travel through the souk wearing a Go-pro camera on his forehead whilst holding a pointer – a golden triangular mirror.
The main aim of the travel bursary was to create accompanying sound for my incomplete video. I was inspired by the song ‘Amazing Grace’ and it’s accompanying lyrics and this would be a starting point that could be somehow included through Toufik’s memory, music and vocals. The two lines I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see and ’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home, fitted in with my video footage.
http://www.anointedlinks.com/amazing_grace.html
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Toufik has associations with blind societies and through his support my aim is to screen the video though these organisations, in particular the ‘International film festival’ held annually in Marrakech, whereby the blind are allocated their own venue space.
If I can source a contact for the film festival it will be fantastic.
