The Island of Solitude 

Achraf Baznani created this intriguing photograph, 'The Island of Solitude', in the 21st century. It depicts a man nestled inside a broken eggshell, set against a bed of straw. The image uses familiar visual codes. The egg, a symbol of birth and potential, is here a confined space, a personal island. What does this say about cultural identity in Morocco where Baznani was born? Is the artist suggesting a struggle to emerge, a feeling of being trapped within oneself? The title adds another layer, hinting at a deliberate choice of isolation, perhaps a commentary on the pressures of modern society. To fully understand Baznani’s work, we can consider the social and cultural context of contemporary Moroccan art, looking at the themes and issues that resonate with artists and audiences there. We can explore the institutions, galleries, and online platforms that support and promote artists like him. Through such research, we can better appreciate how ‘The Island of Solitude’ speaks to the human condition in our globalized world.