Discover the fusion of literature and art in Tahar Ben Jelloun’s new exhibition at MMVI Museum.

Fez – From April 8 to June 30, 2025, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) in Rabat will shine a spotlight on the paintings of world-renowned Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun. 

The museum is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the renowned writer and artist’s pictorial work for the first time, offering visitors a unique glimpse into his creative world. 

Titled “From Writing to Painting,” the exhibition brings together a decade of Ben Jelloun’s artistic journey, starting in 2014. 

Curated by Abdelaziz Idrissi, the director of the museum, this retrospective is not just about the visual art itself, but also a deep dive into the man behind the work. 

It’s a celebration of the synergy between his written words and his painted canvases, two forms of art that, though different, share a common thread.

Ben Jelloun is best known for his evocative novels, which have earned him international recognition. 

But this exhibition invites us to see him through a new lens as a painter whose works invite introspection and emotion.

It’s not just a display of paintings; it’s a story of how his artistic expression flows from one medium to another, reflecting his evolving vision of the world.

One of the most exciting aspects of the exhibit is the inclusion of original manuscripts of some of Ben Jelloun’s most iconic novels. 

“The Sand Child,” “The Sacred Night,” and “With Downcast Eye” – novels that have shaped modern Moroccan literature – will be presented in glass cases, giving a rare, intimate view of his creative process. 

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Visitors will get the chance to see the actual pages where words were born, offering a tangible connection to the stories that have resonated across generations.

Ben Jelloun himself is deeply moved by this exhibition, describing it as an “honor” to have his work showcased in such a prestigious institution. 

“The idea is to show the link between the form of my writing and painting,” he shares, accentuating how both mediums serve as a personal reflection of his inner world. 

For him, art isn’t just about creating something for the world to see; it’s about expressing something deeply personal, where the written word and the painted brushstroke can coexist in harmony.

So, why should you visit this exhibition? Because, well, it’s a rare opportunity to experience the convergence of two powerful artistic forms from one of Morocco’s most influential cultural figures. 

Whether you’re a fan of Ben Jelloun’s novels, a lover of modern art, or simply curious about the deeper connections between writing and painting, this exhibition promises to offer something special or unique for every art lover.  

Don’t miss the chance to explore this extraordinary journey and immerse yourself in the artistic world of Tahar Ben Jelloun.