As beautiful as God has bestowed it with its geographically diverse landscape, the country of Morocco in Africa recently painted a picture of its respect for art and culture with an open-air art gallery.
The town of Rabat which has been a hub of art and expression for the past decade saw its alleyways and streets bustling with a plethora of art- portraits, abstracts, and much more dedicating the area to the work of local artists. The local artists caught many eyes as their arts melody brought visitors to the capitol. The project started in 2021 as an initiative to bring forth meaningful contemporary and unconventional art in contrast to the complementary traditional architecture.
The project is born out of the desire to share art and make visual expression accessible and open to all. It ensures that there is no discrimination in the recognition of art. It creates the ambience of warmth, education, and documentation for 10 consecutive days starting at 10 in the morning every day. “Children, the elderly, everyone can access painting," said Jamal Ouadi, the GAL'RUE exhibition director.
“I did not know this gallery that brings artists out to the public, to citizens going about their daily life, in these alleys in the old town, in particular, the old town of Rabat. It's an extraordinary event for me", admits Laila Skalli, a painter whose work is on display at the GAL'RUE exhibition. Foreign students participate in art workshops in the alleys which are part of the exhibition. The cultural association has planned the event pointedly towards the convergence of a range of thematic workshops and artistic programs. The artists hope to channel positivity and strike happiness through their healthy and invigorating art pieces.
Reports from World of Africa (Wion)
In the country known for its deserts, these street attractions bring vibrancy and hues of beauty to the layout. Moroccan art derives inspiration from a vast multitude of cultures, and the presentation of perspectives through art has been highly valued throughout centuries. The historical engravings of the Romans in Morocco have come a long way with the artists delivering inventive and contemplative textures and themes of art. The introspective and intricate faith of the country’s art has been a key feature in its rich history. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the country boasts of immersive art everywhere, the architecture is crafted extremely meticulously.
It is common to find geometric, mosaic, and arabesque designs due to the religious prohibition against depicting people and animals, straight lines, right angles, and floral linear designs.
The importance of art was always the core of Morocco but recent developments from 2015 through official endorsements and commissions have brought the fantasy to life. The annual street art festival, Jidar of Morocco’s capital Rabat welcomes and induces local and international artists to paint the city’s walls with their vision. The focus is to spark an interest in the youth and invoke within them, an appreciation for street art. Although the diversity of Morocco’s art is unquestionable, some themes remain prominent- local people- their lifestyle, tradition, and culture, the typical Islamic designs, surrealism, and abstracts.
This initiative catalyzes tourism programs and brings a hoard of visitors from across the world. It educates outsiders about the prevalent culture in the country and signifies its history. It shall also pave the way for harmonious foreign relations and cultural exchange while earning revenue. The works of the local artists are reminiscent of and imbibe within them the true roots of their culture and the true spectrum of the scope of their vision. Their art remains to be of great cultural value, ensuring the perseverance of heritage. It tells stories and brings therapy as a contrast to the chaos in the lives of people. A method of expression, it gives way to present society and challenge the bounds of creativity. Being a universal language, it speaks to the hearts and minds of people and allows for interpretations through the subjective frame of reference.
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