The world of Moroccan contemporary art is taking center stage at Bab Hotel in Marrakech this month, with eight young artists putting on display their artwork in an exhibition that runs from February 9 to 28.
The young Moroccans’ show is part of the “off” program of the 1-54 African Art Fair, a major event in the art world.
Abla Ababou, a gallerist from Rabat, is thrilled to be part of it. “This is our first time at 1-54, and I am so proud to present four incredible Moroccan artists,” she says. “People often forget that Morocco is part of Africa. Our artists have a rich and unique heritage, and this exhibition is a chance to show that.”
The lineup includes Fatiha Zemmouri, whose work with clay and tar has earned her a place in the Abu Dhabi collection. “Noureddine Amir is also featured,” Ababou adds. “He creates stunning installations using organic Moroccan materials.”
Read also: 1-54 Art Fair: Marrakech Draws Art Fans To Celebrate Africa
Photographer Hakim Benchakroun captures the fading history of Morocco’s colonial past. “I focus on abandoned buildings from the French and Spanish protectorates,” he explains. “These places are disappearing, and I want to preserve them through my lens.”
Also on display is the work of Ilyas Selfati, an artist who has lived in Madrid, Japan, and the US. “He brings a global perspective while staying true to his Moroccan roots,” says Ababou.
One of the featured artists, Najoua El Hitmi, is excited to be part of the exhibition. “My work is all about movement,” she says. “I explore how we evolve as humans and the forces that hold us back. It’s about freedom, breaking free from old patterns.”
For fashion designer and sculptor Noureddine Amir, material is everything. “I create my own fabrics from repurposed materials,” he explains. “Morocco is my biggest inspiration. I had the honour of showcasing my work at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech—an unforgettable moment.”
The exhibition at Bab Hotel is a must-see for art lovers, offering a glimpse into the future of Moroccan contemporary art. “These young artists are shaping what’s next,” says Ababou. “This is only the beginning.”
