Dreamland - Yallah - Bladi

Dreamland - Yallah - Bladi is the first museum solo exhibition by Mounir Raji at Fotomuseum Hilversum. In this exhibition, Raji explores the theme 'Bladi' - the Moroccan word for "my country.” Where and what is Bladi? Photographer Mounir Raji grew up with summer holidays in Morocco, which felt like a dream to him. While he eagerly anticipated these idyllic moments, he wondered why his family in Morocco dreamed of a life in the Netherlands.

With this question in mind, the Dutch-Moroccan photographer spent the past five years traveling across Morocco to capture what he missed in the Netherlands: the warmth of family, the beauty of the landscape, and the sense of freedom. This resulted in a unique photobook, DREAMLAND, in which he presents daily life as an enchanting mix of reality and nostalgia.

A visual journey between two worlds
Raji’s work touches on themes such as photography, migration, longing, and connection. His images spark the imagination, evoke memories, and invite viewers on a journey of discovery. The exhibition features three photo series:

Dreamland - An idyllic memory
The Dreamland series depicts daily life as an enchanting mix of reality and nostalgia. It is a world where family, endless outdoor play, and the Moroccan landscape merge into a dreamlike image. This work reflects the warmth, freedom, and joy Raji experienced during his summers in Morocco.

Bladi - The impact of climate change
Created especially for Museum Hilversum, the Bladi series focuses on the Draa River, which has played a crucial role in the region’s agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity for centuries. Today, it is under pressure from climate change and human intervention. Raji documents how the landscape and the lives of local residents are affected by dwindling water sources and the ongoing struggle for water.

Yallah – The rhythm of Marrakesh
The Yallah series offers a dynamic view of Marrakesh’s bustling streets, captured from the roof of a family home. The photos show the diversity of motor traffic in the city and the daily rhythm of local life. Yallah is an Arabic word with multiple meanings--from “let’s go” to “hurry up”--emphasizing the energy and movement in this series.

About Mounir Raji
Mounir Raji (1982) was born and raised in Zaandam. He began his career in sports marketing but discovered his passion for photography in his mid-twenties. His autonomous work is strongly influenced by his bi-cultural background, exploring themes such as migration, identity, and absence. Raji’s photographs are characterized by a strong narrative style, recognizable compositions, and rich use of color. In addition to his personal work, he collaborates with various creative clients.

Raji studied at Amsterdam FOTOfactory and has exhibited in renowned institutions such as the Rijksmuseum (2023) and BredaPhoto Festival (2024). In 2023, he self-published the photobook Dreamland, which documents his visual exploration of “my land.”

Dreamland - Yallah - Bladi is a must-see for photography enthusiasts and those interested in stories of migration and identity. Let yourself be carried away by Mounir Raji’s visual language and discover how memory and reality intertwine in his compelling work.