Exploring The Illustrious Artists of the Casablanca Art School
ART, news
Casa, 1970 Mohammed Melehi
Tate St Ives is set to embark on an extraordinary journey, becoming the trailblazing pioneer in the UK to delve into the captivating era of artistic renaissance that unfolded in the wake of Morocco's independence. This transformative period, shaped by the revolutionary pedagogical methods of the Casablanca Art School during the 1960s and 1970s, will be thoroughly explored and celebrated.
At the forefront of this artistic movement were visionaries like Farid Belkahia, Mohammed Chabâa, Mohamed Melehi, and a cohort of brilliant minds. Their audacious endeavors at the Casablanca Art School laid the foundation for a new wave of socially conscious modern artists, forging an influential avant-garde network that left an indelible mark on the art world.
In an unprecedented gathering, the works of 22 artists will converge at Tate St Ives, showcasing the breathtaking breadth and diversity of the Moroccan 'new wave.' Vibrant abstract paintings, evocative urban murals, mesmerizing applied arts, captivating typography, striking graphics, and visionary interior design will illuminate the gallery spaces, immersing visitors in the rich tapestry of this artistic movement.
Moreover, the exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the hidden treasures of the Moroccan art scene. Curated alongside the vibrant artworks, a selection of seldom-seen print archives, vintage journals brimming with artistic fervor, captivating documentary photographs, and thought-provoking films will transport viewers back in time, unraveling the untold stories and the immense impact of the Casablanca Art School.
This groundbreaking exhibition is the result of a dynamic collaboration between Tate St Ives and the esteemed Sharjah Art Foundation. Following its debut at Tate St Ives, this remarkable showcase will journey to Sharjah, where it will captivate audiences from February 2024 onwards. Furthermore, this exhibition stands as a pivotal moment in international research surrounding the Casablanca Art School.
It marks the culmination of a collaborative project initiated in 2020, in partnership with the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Sharjah Art Foundation, Goethe-Institut Marokko, ThinkArt, and Zamân Books & Curating. Together, these esteemed institutions have dedicated their efforts to shed light on the profound legacy of the Casablanca Art School and foster a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.
Exhibition Artists
Malika Agueznay, Hamid Alaoui, Mohamed Ataallah, Herbert Bayer, Farid Belkahia, Fouad Bellamine, Mohammed Chabâa, Saâd Ben Cheffaj, Ahmed Cherkaoui, André Elbaz, Abdellah El Hariri, Abdelkrim Ghattas, Mustapha Hafid, Anna Draus-Hafid, Mohamed Hamidi, Mohammed Kacimi, Miloud Labied, Mohamed Melehi, Houssein Miloudi, Abderrahman Rahoule, Carla Accardi, Chaïbia Tallal.
Tate St Ives
Porthmeor Beach
St Ives
Cornwall TR26 1TG
27 May 2023 – 14 January 2024