2009 - The four continents of MAXIMILIEN BRUGGMANN

Le Manoir de la ville de Martigny


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Fascination

Back in Switzerland, Maximilian Bruggmann had one idea only: to gain some insight into the secrets and mysteries of his first Africa experience. While working as a graphic artist and photographer in Lausanne, he got ready for his second trip to visit the Tuareg in Tassili n´Ajjer. For one year he would film, photograph, learn, discover and devote himself to his passion.

The Sahara took him captive. The Sahara cast a spell on him. It was the beginning of a long love story that saw much travelling. In 1964, he was assigned as official photographer for the national exhibition in Lausanne. This was, however, only an intermission between his trips to the Sahara.

#1

Dunes of Temet

At the edge of the Ténéré (Niger), the wind avidly shapes the beautiful dunes of Temet. This sea of sand is only limited by the high mountains of the Aïr in the distance.

#2

Mausoleums

Bejaad, the capital of the Cherkaouis in Morocco, is located on the old salt caravan route from Fés to Marrakesh and was founded by Sidi Bouabed Cherki, a descendant of the Prophet’s Caliph. His sons are said to be buried in these two modest white mausoleums.

#3

Abakaoua ag Kanom

Wrapped in traditional indigo blue, Chief Abakaoua ag Kanom is a symbol of the stubborn resistance put up by the Tuareg people of Kel Tédélé. He proudly wears his 72 years of age and shows his tenacious will in his kohl-lined eyes. (Aïr region, Niger)

#4

The hand of Fatima at Rissani

In the Rissani oasis, located on a branch of the Ziz wadi in southern Morocco, this splendid iron-cast window reminds one that the hand of Fatima is often the hand of a woman trapped in a harem.

#5

Dead tree in the Arakao

In the Arakao region, the silhouette of a dead tree bears testimony that, despite the morning dew, the rare vegetation of the Sahara rests at the mercy of sandstorms and aridity.

#6

Kasba of Tiffoultoute

Dominating the Ouarzazate wadi, the Kasba of Tiffoultoute is a characteristic example of Berber architecture in the Moroccan High Atlas. This ancient Glaoui palace has served as decoration in numerous films.

#7

Ghardaïa

The city of Ghardaïa, located 1000 km from Alger in the valley of M´zab, was founded in 1048 and constitutes the last entrance gate to the Sahara. Given its exceptional architecture, Ghardaïa was of great influence to Le Corbusier. In 1982, this city was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

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