Kytao

Kytao, born in 1981 in Casablanca, Morocco, is a multi-talented artist, photographer, DJ and Franco-Moroccan director, founder of the French Cut™ label based in Paris.

Franco-Moroccan, Kytao was born in April 1981 in Casablanca. He then follows his sporting father and settles in Stalingrad in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. After passing through the south of France, he began hip hop dancing at the age of 16 with the Vagabond Crew. “I had a friend, a big brother Mohamed Belarbi who put me in it. I followed the movement. I am not particularly fond of dancing but I find myself in the group of the best dancers of the time. »

After an economic and social baccalaureate, he started studying psychology, “to do well“. In parallel with his studies, the young man does not hold in place. Already having the verve and the taste for the image, he launched into writing screenplays and even a manga in 1999. "I like the universe, medieval history and Japanese codes, indicates the artist. When we were younger, we were drawn to Club Dorothée cartoons (Cobra, the Knights of the Zodiac, etc.). I invented mine. Through a designer friend, I had it published, in all humility, by a Japanese publishing house under the name of Kytao. The character was born at that time. It then became my nickname when I started photography and directing. »

ith this book published, he then sees things differently and feels like he is growing wings. He can then count on his talent and resourcefulness to move forward. “I did not see myself necessarily continuing in the manga. What I loved was observing human behavior and telling stories. Regardless of the form of expression, I wanted to give free rein to my imagination. »

Self-taught, he learned image, screenwriting and directing. While he is a dancer, he participates in shows and some clips. On-set photographers offer him photos for a magazine. Through Sofia Boutella, he began his modeling career. Yamamoto's muse for two years, we can see him at Benetton, Marithé&François Girbaud, Dior, Vogue, GQ, etc... His look pleases. You can see him on buses and metros, especially since he was the first North African to be highlighted in this not very colorful universe at the time. “I learned about aesthetics, styling, the use of the body, of light,… It was for me a milestone for the future”  From these experiences he founded an artistic collective, a talent and communication agency, musical production and image development. French Cut. He becomes a reference in photography and production with big names in hip hop (L'Artiste, Diams, Lil Wayne, Mohombi, etc.).

In 2023 he is preparing the release of a book on cosplay enthusiasts "Heroes" which will have taken him 3 years of photo shoots. Perfectionist, 80% of his work is forgotten. His desire: whether striking, striking or subtle. “I am in perpetual construction. I am not looking to express myself or to be successful. My reference is internal. The path is so long if I want to reach my goal. My need is to make timeless beauty! »