Art_Africa_2016_03_

ARTAFRICA

with a very important curatorial team directed by Alya Sebti. The fifth edition has

given our event the idea of using the heritage sites as a platform for the show.

Under the curatorial guidance of Reem Fadda, the sixth edition aims to focus on

positioning the Marrakech Biennale in relation to art from the South or the rest of

the world. The curatorial concept and title for this event – ‘Not New Now,’ will give

it the vigour and criticality to launch the biennale both locally and internationally.

Reem has also helped set up a professional team that will continue to give structure

to the biennale in the future.

I have delegated the curatorial work unconditionally to Reem Fadda and we trust her

fully with her choices. She chose her own team, which involves other curators and

key persons to assist her. I think her artistic choices will resonate through her theme

and will demonstrate something very strong and diverse.

You have a history in architecture and have been involved in creating economic

and social support systems for development in local communities. What type

of foundation does an event like the Marrakech Biennale provide, not only for

the arts but the broader socio-economic context in Morocco?

I have been based in Marrakech from 1980 as an architect. I have been involved

in a few associations and I find that it is necessary in our country to participate in

social work. I think that culture is the only way to act and concretely demonstrate

the motto “make love, not war.” By using the heritage sites as receptacles of art,

we hope to enliven them. It is important for artists to send strong messages in this

troubled period. Art has to educate people and our youth; to allow people to keep an

open mind and nurture the need for creativity and learning. The Marrakech Biennale

will open doors to art education and hopefully demonstrate the need for more art

schools and places to foster the creative industries here.

FEATURE / MARRAKECH BIENNALE

MARRAKECH BIENNALE / MARRAKECH BIENNALE / IN CONVERSATION WITH MOHAMED AMINE KABBAJ IN CONVERSATION WITH MOHAMED AMINE KABBAJ 4/9

Mohammed Chabâa, Untitled, 1967. Acrylic on canvas,

152 x 202 cm (each). Collection of

Société Générale Maroc.

Ahmed Bouanani, French translation of poems by Abderrahman

Al Majdoub (unpublished, 1976-77).