Well, the term "collection" is possibly a slight exaggeration, but it is something I aspire to, and with this in mind I decided to make a start.
These three prints by Mouad are in fact that start - I received them minutes before I left on my last visit to Tangiers at a hastily arranged coffee shop assignation - all very exciting, involving numerous messages, messengers and motorbikes!!
They are now sitting unfurled and unframed on my office table.
And here they are again below as a group and a little easier to view!
The iconic moroccan babouche with a typical textile design in the background.These prints are full of references that I relate to.
So a little more about the artist: Mouad Aboulhana
How would you describe your style?
My style is pure Moroccan Pop art and when we say Morocco, it is in fact a large melting-pot of cultures and traditions, from the Berber, the Arabs to Islam and international modernity.
So, you can say that my style is a mix of all these beautiful influences.
What are the techniques you use?
For me, techniques always evolve as your art matures! From graphic art using different inks on paper, to street art and painting on the walls of Medina of Tangier (North of Morocco), using stencils and spray paint. It is only three years ago that I started experimenting with digital art by mixing illustrations and images.
One of the images he is most known for is his "Tarbouch Kid"
Tell us about the "Tarbouch Kid" artwork? What does it represent?
Tarbouch Kid is a symbol for pure Berber-Arab-Muslim personality. This kid represents me in so many ways, he represents the community. Sometimes people ask “Why he is sad?” but in reality he is not sad at all; maybe he is shy, or simply tired because life in our society is hard. Also, kids are never two-faced, they always say the truth! Technically, the character was taken from a smart perspective and angle: his clothes are simple with his red Fez Cap and in the background, a Zellige mosaic.
(copy credit via:Re-volt Mag, ISSUE 16 - AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2015)
VIEW MORE HERE
or follow Mouad on
Instagram
&
Facebook
to keep up to date with his work and
exhibitions (he has a solo exhibition coming up in Dubai soon!)
shouf!{look!}
I love the rich traditional aesthetic that Morocco has to offer - its colours, pattern and textiles. The more time I spend there, the more I appreciate how contemporary artists are interpreting these traditions. I would love to include more of this work in my shop shouf{look} - so watch this space and I will let you know as soon as we have prints available online.
And to conclude, another favourite.
Remaining true to my South African roots I think this will have to be added to my gallery soon . . .
