Rabat – Moroccan muralist Ed Oner’s unique approach to painting highlights Moroccan culture, contributing to the artist’s growing recognition worldwide.
Mohammed Touirs, known by his artist name Ed Oner, is becoming well-renowned in the world of Moroccan street art. Recently, his work has begun to reach an even broader audience. Oner has been featured in street art festivals around the world, presenting works in his hometown of Berrechid (outside of Casablanca) to the streets of Barcelona. Oner’s work is autobiographical, giving viewers a glimpse into his own experiences. In an exclusive interview with the graffiti artist, Morocco World News was given the opportunity to learn about Oner’s artistic vision, from the personal experiences that have shaped his art, to the importance of identity and highlighting the beauty of Moroccan culture.
Inspiration
“Every time I get the chance to paint outside of the country I try to bring this aspect of me–Moroccan and Islamic Art,” Oner said. “For me, the artwork is done for Moroccans. It has to be something that says a lot to me, that I have experienced before or am really intrigued by.” Oner explained that he is guided by this pride for his country and by childhood memories. 
Mural in Rabat created for the Jidar Rabat Street Art Festival 2022
Versatility and a sense of constant exploration define Oner as an artist that is ever-expanding his idea of what to do next. When asked about his artistic influences outside of Moroccan culture, Oner brought up posters, graphic novels, and stamps from all over the world. He says that he constantly looks for new sources of inspiration.
“For me it’s finding something old and giving it new life,” says Oner.
In addition to depicting larger-than-life moments, Oner also receives inspiration from everyday life. “I’m really fascinated by daily life–the people I meet every day–our culture,” says Oner.
Oner says that postcards of Morocco only show a very small part of Moroccan identity.
“The thing I don’t like is that it’s usually only of camels in Morocco. This doesn’t show the reality of Morocco,” In both his art and his words, Oner constantly demonstrates a commitment to showcasing Moroccan culture and the many aspects that make up Moroccan culture, from Mint Tea and Coffee, to the boats of Salé.
Stamp Murals
The most recognizable aspect of Oner’s murals is their stamp form. Many of the murals that Oner has painted in the last two years have used the design of a stamp as a way of framing his paintings. Oner’s first several stamp murals were done in his hometown of Berrechid and showed everyday people during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Oner strives to capture Morocco’s cultural complexity through his portrayal of everyday Moroccans.
Two stamp murals done in Ed Oner’s hometown of Berrechid in March 2023.
Moroccan Football Stamps
Following the Moroccan Football Team’s incredible showing in the 2022 World Cup, Oner was inspired to create a series of Moroccan Footballers that were instrumental in the team’s fourth-place finish. Oner made 28 stamps of the National team players, which were sold as a commemorative pack of stamps in Casablanca, Rabat, and Tiznit.
Oner made three of these stamps into murals in the El Hank neighborhood of Casablanca, immortalizing the football legends Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Walid Regragui as murals on five-story apartment complexes of El Hank. Oner’s Instagram posts of the stamps and murals went viral, receiving over 25,000 likes.
Oner says it was important for him to mark the feeling and event. “It was something really special and I knew that people would see the same thing through this artwork. When you do a wall…it’s a way to give value to life and its moments.”
Upcoming Projects
Oner is working on an upcoming series that will focus on iconic Moroccans.
“I’m planning to do a series of stamps on the most famous Moroccan artists and maybe even do a book on it. Maybe collaborate with the Moroccan post office and see if the project can be printed and sold, bringing the style to more people on a larger scale,” says Oner.
Mural in Rabat created for the Jidar Rabat Street Art Festival 2022
Oner has not limited himself to murals, and creates a plurality of forms including digital posters, usable stamps, and mixed-media Live Paint Mapping works that combine physical and digital painting as a DJ plays.
These Live Paint Mapping events are a multi-sensory experience that draw large crowds who come to see Oner paint while a live DJ plays. Oner says that he is influenced by the music that the DJ plays and the energy of the crowd in these performances. adding that he loves the rush of being in front of a crowd.
His creations are full of vibrant colors and at larger Festivals are oftentimes animated.
“The rhythm controls you…you share energy with people and you can reflect that,” . says Oner.
