By showcasing the works of these incredible artists, the gallery bridges local and global narratives, connecting Moroccan identity to broader African and international dialogues.
Marrakech – From January 30 to February 2, La Mamounia hotel will pulse with the energy of 1-54, the leading African contemporary art fair.
Sure, the fair is a grand celebration of African creativity, but this year, the spotlight is particularly dazzling on Morocco, thanks to Atelier 21.
Representing a roster of exceptional Moroccan and African artists, Atelier 21 steps into the 6th edition of 1-54 ready to tell stories, challenge perceptions, and remind the world why Moroccan art has long been at the heart of global creative dialogues.
A showcase of Moroccan billiance
So, who are the artists on the Atelier 21 dream team? Let’s start with M’barek Bouhchichi, who uses rubber sheets as his canvas, creating portraits that don’t just reclaim space — they demand it.
His work is a meditation on the invisibility of Black bodies in Moroccan society, a poignant reminder of the power of representation in art.
Then there’s Margaux Derhy, who spins nostalgia into magic with embroidery.
Through her collective, “Massa Stories,” Derhy works with Amazigh women to bring family photographs to life in ways that blend tradition and contemporary artistry.
It’s a project that celebrates both memory and community.
Meanwhile, Safaa Erruas invites us into her world of white-on-white installations.
At first glance, her work feels serene — but look closer, and it’s a profound exploration of migration and fragility, a poetic journey across borders that many can relate to.
Najia Mehadji, on the other hand, marries Islamic art with modernity in her series “Rosebud.”
Her fluid brushstrokes transform the rose — a timeless symbol of love — into a bold, contemporary statement.
It’s tradition reimagined, much like Marrakech itself.
Finally, Senegalese artist Malick Welli brings his powerful photography to the table.
His series “Forgotten Paradise: Passage” explores the transatlantic slave trade’s lasting impact, turning historical trauma into visual poetry.
Through symbols of water, birds, and rituals, Welli’s work offers healing and reflection.
Why Atelier 21 matters
1-54 isn’t just a fair; it’s a movement, a space where African creativity is at the focus.
And Atelier 21’s presence here is more than symbolic — it’s a statement about Morocco’s pivotal role in the global art scene.
By showcasing the works of these incredible artists, the gallery bridges local and global narratives, connecting Moroccan identity to broader African and international dialogues.
An invitation to experience art
Marrakech, with its kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and scents, is already a work of art.
B Yet, during 1-54, it becomes a canvas for something even bigger. Atelier 21’s showcase is your chance to see how Moroccan and African stories collide, expand, and reshape the art world as we know it.
So, if you find yourself strolling through the gardens of La Mamounia, make your way to the Atelier 21 exhibition.
Who knows? You might just find a piece of art — or a story — that stays with you forever.
