Story Of the Artist: Portraits Against the Sky

by Alexandra Mansilla

Story Of the Artist: Legendlart And Portraits Against the Sky

5 Mar 2024

Noureddine Ait Mouden, also known as Legendlart, is a photographer renowned for his ability to capture the breathtaking beauty of the sky, seamlessly integrating it as a backdrop for his portraits. How did he first embark on this journey? What drives his unique approach to photography? And who are the people featured in his photos? We posed these questions to him and received the answers.

— You are from Morocco but now live in the UAE, right? How did it happen?

— I am from Morocco. I grew up in Agadir. From a young age, I used to love art, and I would notice and see things around me with a beautiful and different perspective. This is what made me see everything as an artwork and helped me in photography and artistic taste in particular.

My migration to the UAE was a decision to become more satisfied and open to the world. It is a journey to hone my skills and outlook as an artist.

Dubai is a beautiful city and a prime example of progress. What makes it truly special is the diversity of cultures and nationalities, which enabled me to meet and work with people from various backgrounds, facilitating my learning and experiencing new things.

— When did you start taking photos?

— I started photography in 2016 when I was with three of my friends, and we were just watching some videos on YouTube. We decided to create something similar together, and I was the one who appeared in the video. We experimented with framing and lighting techniques and incorporated new effects. We were excited!

I borrowed a small camera from a friend of mine and attempted to create cartoon-inspired lighting effects using DIY methods. Meanwhile, another friend even managed to steal a phone from his uncle specifically for this project.

We began filming at our friend's house, but it was a disaster when we saw the result. It didn’t turn out the same as what we saw on YouTube. We realised we couldn't achieve anything we had imagined, and everyone was disappointed.

I got into photography and dived into understanding lighting, colours, and all the technical aspects needed to snap pictures like the pros. Once I had a handle on things, it was time to put theory into practice. The problem was, I didn't have a fancy camera or even a decent phone for taking pics. So, I thought, what better way to learn than hitting the streets? Street photography has everything you need: natural light, people in action, and vibrant scenes all around. Armed with just an old phone, I started snapping away and experimenting. To mask the lack of quality, I would sometimes frame the shots with a white border and shrink them down. And that is how my photography journey began — a mix of trial and error, fuelled by curiosity and a ton of “whys”.

— Your works from 2019 show a lot of struggle, such as a person hidden under a wrap, you hiding your face in the mirror, and your reflection in a cracked mirror. What was going on at that time?

— I started off photographing on the streets, and to this day, I still love it. Then, I began capturing different styles, blending traditional alleyways with contemporary fashion. Next, I dove into photographing people, especially my friends, experimenting with posing and composition to bring out the best in them. I just used whatever resources I had at the time to create something out of nothing.

Instagram: @legendlart

— You used to hide the faces of the people you photograph (and you still do it sometimes!). Why?

— Hiding faces wasn't a deliberate choice; it just happened, serving as a new technique to explore in photography. Looking back at my work, there is always a story I am trying to tell. While some photos feature obscured faces, you will also find plenty showcasing the beauty of faces, colours, lighting, and shadows. I am not one to stick to a single style — every time you see my work, I experiment with new techniques and perspectives. There is still so much I am eager to explore, and I am just scratching the surface of what is possible.

For me, photography has always been about immersing myself in the experience — a chance to showcase my unique style through the interplay of colours and lighting. Unlike some photographers who focus solely on their subjects, I have always been drawn to the nuances of light and colour. Recently, I have been delving deeper into capturing faces, aiming to bring out the unique traits and personalities of my subjects in my own distinct way.

Sometimes, I aim to highlight characters, while other times, I let my creativity flow freely. Now, I am merging these approaches to create even more impactful and memorable images.

— One of your works is captioned, "Control what you want to see, and what you don’t want…" What does this statement signify?

— In the picture, I emphasise the importance of controlling what we choose to see. It shows a person wearing a purple dress with eyes closed by gloves in the same colour, representing how people can get caught up in misconceptions or misguided questions, shaping their reality accordingly. There is depth to the image.

I highlight this concept in the picture to underscore that we ultimately have the power to decide. The true source of help lies within ourselves. With willpower, determination, and patience, anything is achievable. It is essential to focus on things that strengthen us and disregard anything that may undermine our ambitions and vision.

Instagram: @legendlart

— Here, you are talking about the ability of images to communicate. What messages do your works convey?

— Pictures have always spoken volumes, conveying visions or words unspoken. Sometimes, they prove to be the most effective language for conveying a message or expressing thoughts and opinions.

Personally, I rely on pictures to speak and share my thoughts. I believe that everyone has their own unique way of conveying messages or ideas, and it is always the most effective approach.

— A comment under one of your works reads: “This one is fascinating and scary at the same time.” You responded: “The image has achieved its goal.” Could you elaborate on what you meant by this?

— My pictures have always held multiple meanings, and each viewer interprets them based on their own experiences and level of knowledge. I am always eager to hear others' opinions about my works because each one carries numerous layers of meaning. For me, the success of a picture lies in its ability to evoke diverse interpretations from viewers, signifying that it has achieved its goal.

— Tell us more about your project with bread. What is it about? Why did you choose bread? And why do people again hide their faces?

— My pictures have always been simple. The way I photographed was always based on what I had.

Most of the pictures on my account feature me and my brothers on the rooftop of our house in Agadir, Morocco. I still remember that day vividly — it was sunny and the sky had this beautiful blue hue. I turned to my brother and said, “How about we snap a picture today?”

After that, I began rummaging through our house, looking for props and settings to enhance the photo. That is always been my approach to photography — making do with whatever is at hand to capture those special moments.

I told my brother to throw on a black shirt, and I grabbed a loaf of bread from our family's grocery store downstairs. I thought it would add an interesting touch to the photo. And you know what? It turned out surprisingly well. After we were done, I made sure to put the bread back where it belonged.

Instagram: @legendlart

— You collaborated with “A Frnd of Mine”. How was it?

— I had the honour of collaborating with this brand, and it was a beautiful and unique experience. Over six locations, I captured numerous pictures as part of a collaborative team effort. I am thrilled with the results we achieved, which underscore the power of teamwork.

I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this collaboration, and I am eager to continue creating new things together.

— Your early Instagram posts featured old buildings and historical neighbourhoods, while your current work differs. Can you tell us about that period?

— The streets have always been a wellspring of inspiration for me, drawing from their rich tapestry of experiences, designs, and ancient history. Street photography has always held a special place in my heart, and I continue to capture its essence. It feels like returning to my roots in photography.

After completing my baccalaureate, I embarked on extensive travels across Morocco, from the southern reaches to the northern coasts. It was an exploration of my country's aesthetics, offering me a deeper understanding and appreciation. Following this, I journeyed to the Emirates, where I found myself increasingly drawn to architecture. It has since become a central focus of my work.

Instagram: @legendlart

— How would you describe your artistic style and practice?

— The description has always been more important to consumers and followers. They are the ones who can describe it better, especially those who have been following me all these years.

As a Moroccan photographer and artist, I find that my work is heavily influenced by my culture and personal experiences. This unique blend of influences gives my work a distinctive flavour and serves as my own form of expression, far removed from the ordinary. I always strive to capture something special and unusual in my own unique way.

— What are your plans for this year? Are there any upcoming projects or announcements you would like to share?

— Currently, I am in talks with several companies and fellow artists about various ideas and projects. These ventures extend beyond photography and encompass a diverse range of works, many of which are nearing completion. I am eagerly looking forward to what is in store. There is plenty of travel, new concepts, and exciting collaborations on the horizon.

I will be sharing more updates on my Instagram account soon. While I am still in the early stages of realising my vision, plans are underway and progress is being made.

With faith and determination, I am confident that everything will turn out great, Inshallah.

by Alexandra Mansilla

Story Of the Artist: Legendlart And Portraits Against the Sky

5 Mar 2024

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5 Mar 2024

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