Living and working between Marrakech and London, Hajjaj brings a fresh wave of creativity that’s anything but ordinary.
Marrakech – L’Atelier 21 is about to get a serious jolt of energy this winter as Hassan Hajjaj unveils his second solo exhibition, “Fiq !,” running from December 10 to February 3.
But what does Fiq mean? Simply put, it’s “wake up” – and trust us, you won’t want to sleep on this one.
The art
The origins of “Fiq !” trace back to a pivotal meeting in 2018 in London, where Hassan Hajjaj, along with Sanae El Kamouni, artistic director of the Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger, and director Maroussia Diaz Verbèke, came together to conceptualize a creation that would push the boundaries of both art and culture.
From this collaboration, the spectacular performance “Fiq !” was born in 2019, with Hajjaj overseeing the artistic direction, designing the set, creating the costumes, and capturing the breathtaking agility and creativity of these young acrobats.
The striking photographs featured offer a glimpse into the world of Moroccan acrobatic artistry, immortalizing the dynamism, strength, and beauty of these athletes.
In the exhibition catalog, Sanae El Kamouni eloquently captured the deep significance of their collaboration.
“Captivated by Hassan’s approach, which transcends boundaries and disciplines, I found in his distinctive style a resonance with my own vision,” she enthused.
“By blending pop influences, Moroccan traditions, and contemporary aesthetics, he creates a unique signature; vibrant and bold. His gaze, tender yet critical of Moroccan society, gives his works remarkable depth, making each creation a vivid testament to diversity and creativity.”
This sentiment encapsulates the essence of “Fiq !” – a fusion of artistic innovation and cultural reflection.
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The artist
Hassan Hajjaj is a globally renowned visual artist whose distinctive universe has firmly established him as one of the most influential Moroccan artists on the international stage today.
His work has earned him a prestigious place in some of the world’s most respected collections, including the Brooklyn Museum (USA), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (USA), the British Museum (UK), the Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), the Guggenheim Museum (UAE), the Barjeel Art Foundation (UAE), and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (France).
Hajjaj’s unique ability to blend tradition with contemporary culture, as well as his vibrant and bold visual language, has secured his standing among the leading artists of his generation.
His work not only crosses borders but also bridges generations, capturing the essence of a modern Moroccan identity while reaching audiences around the world.
