Marrakech – Monday night in Essaouira was a celebration of art, culture, and music at the grand unveiling of “Rythmes Gnaouis” by the talented visual artist Saliha El Kanouny.
Hosted at the Burj Bab Marrakech Gallery, this art exhibition showcases a stunning array of El Kanouny’s works.
Each piece delves into the spiritual and mystical influence of Gnaoua music, highlighting the iconic movements and moments of this ancient art form.
Through her canvases, Saliha El Kanouny captures the lively and spiritual essence of Gnaoua art, paying homage to its African roots and significant role in Morocco’s cultural heritage.
Featuring 26 diverse paintings, this exhibition invites visitors on a unique sensory and emotional journey through the heart of Essaouira, where Gnaoua culture is deeply ingrained.
Talking to MAP, El Kanouny described Rythmes Gnaoui as an invitation to explore the motifs and colors of Gnaoua ceremonies and chants, offering an immersive and enchanting experience for all who attend.
The artist shared that this exhibition is the result of several years of research and fieldwork with Essaouira’s Gnaoua musicians.
Their stories, rhythms, and deep understanding of this iconic culture have greatly enriched her creative process.
“Rythmes Gnaouis aims to discover and preserve this unique musical heritage through visual art,” she added.
She also spoke about the emotions and personal experiences that shaped each piece, allowing visitors to understand the intimate connection between her art and Gnaoua culture.
Titles like “Mondialisme,” “Tambours,” “Jedba,” and “Gnaoui” highlight various aspects of the rich Gnaoua tradition while showcasing the artist’s contemporary vision.
The event drew a crowd of notable figures from the art world, creating a vibrant buzz in the air.
Organized with the support of the regional directorate’s cultural department under the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the exhibition will run until August 5.
