Let’s face it: Art isn’t just a pretty picture hanging on the wall. Sometimes it’s a daring statement, a sharp critique, or even a gut punch.

Marrakech – On Thursday, November 28, House of Beau Gallery in Rabat (Mega Mall, 1st floor, in case you’re wondering) will host a book launch of Youssef Wahboun’s art critiques. 

Think of it as an intellectual rendezvous, not at the latest cafe, but inside the art world’s most exhilarating corners.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. local time, and if you’re in Rabat, it’s the kind of affair you won’t want to miss.

This isn’t just a book launch. It’s an invitation to dirty jokes – well, “Dirty Jokes,” to be precise.

That’s the title of Wahboun’s current exhibition, which will also be on display until November 30. 

So, why should you care about this book? First, let’s talk about the book itself.

A flip through the pages

Wahboun isn’t just telling you about art. He’s unpacking it, dissecting it with an erudition that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew.

The book is a curated collection of 25 of his sharpest critiques, each focused on a key work from the Moroccan art scene. 

We’re talking about artists like Hassan Hajjaj (yes, the one who’s probably the coolest person you’ve never met), Mohamed Hamidi, Amina Rezki, and even the late Mohamed Drissi, whose legacy Wahboun honors with a heartfelt homage.

But this isn’t some dry academic exercise. Wahboun’s writing is intellectual but also full of life, bursting with energy, poetry, and just the right amount of edge.

It’s the kind of book you read not just to understand art, but to feel it – like you’re stepping into the artist’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

He makes a point of showing how imagination, intention, and creative act come together to produce something truly original.

And let’s face it, how many times have you looked at a painting and just thought, “Why does this make me feel like I’ve seen it a hundred times before?”

But Wahboun isn’t about that. He digs deeper. He wants to know what makes the art tick; what makes it stand out in Morocco’s vibrant, ever-evolving art scene.

And this book isn’t just for the art insiders or critics. Nope. It’s for anyone who’s curious, anyone who’s willing to get a little uncomfortable in the name of discovering something new.

Let’s get into the details for a sec. Wahboun’s 25 critiques take us on a journey from the historical to the contemporary.

He analyzes works from the likes of Mohamed Ben Allal, Abbas Saladi, Radia Bent Lhoucine, and many others who’ve left their mark on the Moroccan art scene. 

What makes this even more interesting? Wahboun doesn’t shy away from showing how these pieces interact with the brutal realities of the world today.

It’s art that isn’t just meant to look good. It’s art that’s meant to make you think, challenge, and maybe even question what you thought was important.

This is where Wahboun’s strength lies; he manages to marry deep scholarly insight with a natural narrative flair.

His critiques are often poetic, sometimes borderline fictional, and always deeply personal. 

It’s as though you’re not just reading about art; you’re walking into the artist’s mind and seeing how their world unfolds.

And while the book brings together over thirty artists and takes us through pivotal works of art history in Morocco, there’s a thread running through all of this: the artist’s mission.

Wahboun doesn’t just celebrate art; he interrogates it. He pushes us to ask: What is the role of the artist today? How does their work respond to, or even rebel against, the chaos of the world?

Now, if all this sounds a bit intense, don’t worry. The event isn’t just about heavy discourse.

What’s next for House of Beau

House of Beau is known for its commitment to supporting contemporary art and giving creators the platform they deserve. 

This book, “Le Plaisir Paradoxal,” is House of Beau’s inaugural publication, and it’s setting the tone for a whole new wave of artistic exploration. 

Future publications will include artist monographs, thematic studies, and other cutting-edge content that will undoubtedly push the boundaries of Moroccan art publishing.

And just to spice things up, the gallery’s location at Mega Mall adds a little urban flair to the entire affair.

Who says art and shopping can’t mix, right? Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual viewer, you’ll walk away from this event with more than just an autograph. 

You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on Moroccan art and a deep appreciation for the audacity of artistic expression.