Fez — A painting by celebrated Moroccan modernist Mohamed Melehi has sold for €180,000 (MAD 1.9 million / $201,723) at Frieze Masters in London, reflecting international interest in one of Morocco’s most influential twentieth-century artists.
The work, “Untitled” (1967), formed part of “Wave Forms,” a solo presentation organized by Moroccan gallery Loft Art Gallery during the international art fair, held from October 14 to 18.
According to an October 16 report by The Art Newspaper, the gallery confirmed the sale while two additional paintings by Melehi were placed on reserve.
The reported €180,000 transaction involved an early example of the artist’s distinctive wave motif, which became one of the defining elements of his visual language.
Moroccan modernism reaches international collectors
Loft Art Gallery, which operates in Casablanca and Marrakech, participated in Frieze Masters for the first time this year.
Its presentation focused entirely on Melehi, bringing together paintings produced between the 1960s and 1980s.
The exhibition explored the emergence of his recognizable wave forms and their development throughout his artistic career.
Melehi, who died in 2020 at the age of 83, was a leading figure in Morocco’s modern art movement and a central member of the Casablanca School.
His work challenged conventional approaches to painting through abstraction, color, geometric forms, and the incorporation of visual influences from Moroccan and international artistic traditions.
The gallery’s presentation included paintings such as “Minneapolis” (1962), “Flamme et soleil” (1970), and several untitled compositions.
Together, the selection offered collectors and visitors an overview of the visual experimentation that shaped Melehi’s career.
Growing recognition for Moroccan art
The sale comes amid increasing international attention to modern artists whose contributions have historically received less recognition within Western art markets.
In its report from Frieze Masters, The Art Newspaper examined how galleries representing artists from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia are attracting interest from international collectors.
Loft Art Gallery co-founder and director Yasmine Berrada welcomed the reception of Melehi’s paintings during the fair.
She described encouraging interest from established collectors and cultural institutions, emphasizing growing recognition of Moroccan modernism within the international art market.
The gallery’s participation formed part of Frieze Masters’ Spotlight section, which highlights individual artists and artistic practices that deserve renewed attention.
The confirmed sale of “Untitled” (1967) offers a measurable result from the presentation.
However, the reported reservations of two additional paintings do not necessarily mean those transactions were completed.
The London presentation shows the continuing international relevance of artists associated with the Casablanca School. Melehi’s influence extends beyond painting into graphic design, architecture, visual culture, and the development of modern artistic expression in Morocco.
Decades after he created his early wave compositions, his work continues to reach new audiences and collectors.
