Move over Hells Angels, Moroccan-born, UK-based artist Hassan Hajjaj brings us Kesh Angels, a series of electric portraits of the biker culture among young women in Marrakesh. Borrowing from the tradition of African studio photography and with a fashiony edge, Hajjaj is clearly playing with stereotypes of Arab women, seen through the juxtaposition of their modest, traditional garb and their defiant and dynamic poses. Hajjaj’s portraits aren’t the only star here—the colorful frames are handcrafted by the artist with inlaid wood and filled with everyday consumer goods, further providing commentary on the struggle to maintain individuality among culture and branding.
Kesh Angels is on view at NYC’s Taymour Grahne Gallery through March 7, 2014.