When Ouaziz won the inaugural Textile Exchange and Magnum Photos photography competition, he turned his attention to the Büyük Menderes River Basin in Türkiye, to document how cotton farming is impacting biodiversity there. “This story felt particularly impactful to me because the area around the Söke plain in Türkiye holds many similarities to my home country,” he says. “Both regions face significant challenges from climate change, including water scarcity, soil degradation and the need for more sustainable, resilient agricultural practices. The story reflects struggles I’ve observed in Moroccan agriculture and highlights potential solutions that could inspire similar initiatives back home. It is about regenerative agriculture in a real-world context, particularly in a climate-vulnerable region, and celebrates the farmers’ commitments to protecting the environment while maintaining agricultural productivity.”
In his latest project for Textile Exchange, Ouaziz says he tried to show the beauty in seemingly mundane farming activities.Photos: Anass Ouaziz / Textile Exchange
His work shows the potential of storytelling to make the abstract concepts fashion is grappling with — from carbon emissions to agriculture transitions — feel more real. It’s important to balance these heavy topics with hope, says Ouaziz. He did this through close-up shots that show the beauty in seemingly mundane farming activities: the light dancing across cotton fields, the texture of soil covered by mulch and the intimate farmer portraits that highlight the connection between people and nature. “Effective, engaging climate storytelling is about combining the science with the personal,” he explains. “The goal is to foster empathy by connecting audiences to tangible examples of progress, not just abstract concepts. I strive for a balance between acknowledging the harsh realities of climate challenges and sharing stories of hope and change, ensuring that the storytelling remains engaging without overwhelming or alienating the audience.”
Correction: Kuleana will be released in September. Georgia Scott runs Groundtruth with her sister and husband. Her other sister, Sophia Scott-Milln, has stepped back from the company. (13/02/2025)
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