The Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024 opens the Ektashif: Morocco exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring prominent Qatari artists, debuting artworks inspired by an immersive cultural journey to Morocco.
Ektashif: Morocco presents the works of Qatari artists and designers who recently traveled to Marrakech as part of an educational trip organized by the Museum of Islamic Art, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. The artists have drawn inspiration from Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and unique Islamic architecture, creating pieces that capture the spirit and beauty of the country.
The exhibition features 36 works by Qatari artists from various fields, highlighting their unique interpretations of the Moroccan experience. Highlights include a stunning dress by designer Maryam Al-Mutaweh, jewelry by Hamad Al-Mohammed, a calligraphic design by Fatima Al-Sharshani, photographs by Abdulhadi Al-Marri, fashion designs by Dana Al Mulla and a decorative wooden door inspired by the art of Zouaq by artist Aljazi Almaadeed.
During their trip in April 2024, the artists explored several historical monuments of Marrakech, including the Medersa Ben Youssefa masterpiece of North African Islamic architecture dating from the Marinid dynasty, and the Palais Bahiaknown for its intricate decorations. They also visited the Saadian Tombsa 16th-century royal burial site, which features plaster work, cedar wood carvings and zellij mosaics; THE Dar el-Bachaa palace and museum in the old town of Marrakech; and the Majorelle Gardenone of the most enchanting gardens in Morocco.
As part of this experience, the artists participated in a series of workshops to learn traditional Moroccan arts, including the study of design and geometry inspired by the iconic monuments of Marrakech. They also practiced biomorphic drawing and Zouaq — the art of painting on wood, as well as zellij, traditional Moroccan mosaic techniques.
Ektashif: Maroc brings to life the creativity that emerges when artists are immersed in new environments – an exciting visualization of cross-cultural exchange. The exhibition invites visitors to explore Morocco’s artistic heritage through the eyes of Qatari talents, deepening the appreciation of Qatari and Moroccan cultural heritages.
