‘Hiya w’Houwa’: Meet the Moroccan Artists Breaking Boundaries

These artists are here to make you feel something – and to remind you that there’s no single way to define who you are.

Casablanca – If art could speak, “Hiya w’Houwa” would be shouting, “Be yourself, unapologetically.”

This groundbreaking exhibition at the American Arts Center is bringing together some of Morocco’s most trailblazing young artists – each with a unique style and a story to tell.

Curated to showcase diverse perspectives on Moroccan identity, gender, mental health, and social justice, “Hiya w’Houwa” is more than an art show; it’s a platform for voices that often go unheard.

Here’s a closer look at the artists who are making waves, the collaborators who made this possible, and why this exhibition is a must-see for anyone looking to experience authentic Moroccan youth culture.

About ‘Hiya w’Houwa’

“Hiya w’Houwa,” which translates to she and he, is an exhibition designed to explore the dynamic interplay of gender, identity, and individuality within Moroccan society.

Organized by Bayt Al Feen in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, and hosted at the American Arts Center, the show is a collective effort between cultural influencers and organizations dedicated to supporting emerging Moroccan talent.

The exhibition was organized with support from local and international art communities, providing a space for artists to push boundaries and create works that reflect the raw truths of a generation challenging societal norms.

With its bold, unapologetic vibe, “Hiya w’Houwa” has become a hotspot for Gen Z and Millennials who are tired of fitting into boxes.

The Comic Book Rebel

Hafsa Errabboun is changing the game for Moroccan comics, and her work is a must-see.

Born in Agadir, Errabboun dives into the complexities of growing up Moroccan with humor and raw honesty.

The artist’s comics are like an open conversation about identity, social pressures, and how we balance tradition with modern life.

It’s art that’s relatable to every Gen Z Moroccan trying to find their place in a constantly shifting world.

Errabboun’s comics aren’t just funny – they make you think about your own life and identity in ways you never have before.

Mental Health in Art

If you haven’t heard of Anas Belgazzar (aka Sol7Ofat), it’s time to pay attention.

His digital illustrations are bold, real, and dive into mental health and social issues, no filter.

Belgazzar’s work is raw, unapologetic, and pulls no punches – making him a voice for a generation that’s finally ready to talk about mental health openly.

The artist’s pieces speak to the struggles many of us face in silence, making him an essential part of the conversation on mental well-being.

Belgazzar’s work makes mental health a priority in a society that’s often afraid to talk about it.

Slam Poetry with a Purpose

When Ihssane Almou speaks, we listen.

The slam poet and activist is known for using poetry to confront the tough issues of gender, identity, and social justice.

As a co-founder of Rabat’s Urban Culture Festival, she’s a trailblazer who’s redefining what it means to use your voice for change.

The poet’s performances are more than just words – they’re an invitation to think deeper about the world around us.

If you’re into art that challenges norms and makes you rethink society’s rules, Almou is a poet you can’t miss.

Redefining identity through the lens

Achraf Khalis is all about celebrating diversity, fluidity, and self-expression in a society that sometimes wants to force everyone into a box.

Khalis’s photography showcases the beauty of individuality and challenges viewers to see identity as a personal and fluid experience.

The photographer’s work is a visual celebration of being unapologetically yourself, no matter how different you might seem from the norm.

Khalis’s photos don’t just capture moments; they capture the essence of what it means to be truly yourself. If you’re into breaking down barriers, his work will resonate with you.

Breaking free from societal expectations

Abdellah Oulachgar’s interactive installations make you think long and hard about self-worth, societal pressures, and how we can break free from the limits that society places on us.

Oulachgar’s art challenges viewers to confront those invisible forces that shape our actions, encouraging self-expression and individual freedom.

The creator’s work is an experience – a journey through art that questions the things we’ve always taken for granted.

Oulachgar’s work isn’t just about art – it’s about awakening the mind and empowering you to think differently about who you are and what you’re capable of.

Drag and femininity like you’ve never seen

Saad Sahir’s drag persona, “Tina Titts,” is making waves in Morocco – and for all the right reasons.

As Morocco’s first drag geraba, she challenges everything we thought we knew about gender, femininity, and power.

Through Tina, Sahir invites us to see femininity as a force, not a flaw.

The artist’s work challenges the binary ideas of gender and invites us to embrace a more fluid, liberating experience of identity.

Finding freedom through art

Imane Laaribi’s art is all about navigating the fine line between honoring cultural heritage and embracing personal freedom.

Laaribi’s work explores how individuals can discover their true selves in a society that values both tradition and personal expression.

They speak to the journey of self-discovery, inviting us to embrace who we are without fear of judgment.

Imane’s art is a space for people to explore their identities and navigate the tension between tradition and freedom. It’s a visual journey that encourages self-expression in all its forms.

Why you need to see ‘Hiya w’Houwa’

If you’re looking for art that’s not afraid to push boundaries and question norms, “Hiya w’Houwa” is the place to be.

These artists are breaking the mold, starting conversations, and challenging everything we thought we knew about identity, gender, and self-expression.

They’re telling stories that need to be heard, and they’re doing it with style, courage, and authenticity.

For Moroccan youth, this exhibition isn’t just art – it’s a reflection of who we are, where we’re going, and how we can rewrite the rules of society.

It’s a space for connection, self-reflection, and a reminder that art isn’t just something we look at – it’s something that moves us and changes the way we see the world.

Ready to dive in?

So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your friends, head to the American Arts Center, and experience the power of art that’s redefining the Moroccan cultural landscape.

Follow these artists on social media to stay connected to their journeys and see how they’re continuing to push boundaries and inspire change.

It’s time to join the conversation and be part of something bigger.