Art_Africa_2016_03_

ARTAFRICA

resemble the interior of a family-run shop in Morocco. Hajjaj, who now divides his time

between London and Marrakech, intentionally fuses cultural elements to blur geographic

boundaries and reference his dual heritage.

Hajjaj’s multimedia installation breaks down conventional hierarchies of value in the

art world and suggests a lived, globalised experience. Despite the hardships sometimes

experienced by immigrants, Hajjaj’s rock stars are not disempowered individuals

or victims but have a sense of agency and suggest the potentiality that the diaspora

experience can offer. They, as well as their photographer, express how we can all thrive

in an interconnected world.

Cynthia Becker is Associate Professor in the History of Art & Architecture

Department at Boston University. She specialises in the visual and performing

arts of Northwest Africa.

‘Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars’ runs until 6 March 2016 at the Worcester Art Museum, Massachusetts,

USA. The exhibition has been organised by the Newark Museum.

MY ROCK STARS / CYNTHIA BECKER 5/5

REVIEWS

Installation view of Hassan Hajjaj’s ‘My Rock Stars’ at the Worcester Art Museum,

Massachusetts. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.