Born in 1948 in Asilah, Khalil El Ghrib has established himself as a unique figure in the Moroccan artistic landscape thanks to his resolutely ethical approach and his distancing from commercial trends. His work, made of simple materials such as straw, copper and quicklime, embodies a tribute to nature and its perpetual transformation. El Ghrib’s installations celebrate “the living” by showing an art which, far from material constraints, is oriented towards a search for the visible and the invisible, as highlighted in the organizers’ press release.
This exhibition at the Botanical Garden of Rabat marks the sixth edition of the “State of emergency of poetic moments” event, imagined by Bouchra Salih. This event invites artists to rethink their creation in symbiosis with natural spaces. El Ghrib’s works will thus resonate with those of other artists, notably Ahmad Karmouni, Mohamed Ahnach, Mohssin Harraki and Mohamed Larbi Rahhali, creating an artistic dialogue between the installations and the surrounding nature.
More than a simple tribute, this event aims to provide a platform for cultural exchange and to fuel reflection on our connection with life. The exhibition invites visitors to a deep meditation on the ephemeral, transformation and the cycle of existence, in a setting conducive to contemplation.
A varied program for total immersion
In order to fully celebrate the art of Khalil El Ghrib, the French Institute of Morocco and State of Emergency of Poetic Moments have concocted a rich and diverse program. At the Maison mauresque du Jardin, a cycle of films on the work of El Ghrib will be broadcast daily (except Mondays). This selection of documentaries offers a unique insight into his artistic vision and allows visitors to better understand the scope of his approach.
The “Lemma fi Jarda” initiative also offers spaces for dialogue between El Ghrib and young emerging artists, led by Amine Boushaba. These meetings offer students and young creators the opportunity to explore current issues in contemporary art alongside the artist, thus encouraging sharing and learning around Moroccan art.
This celebration of art and nature also extends to young people. In partnership with the youth media library of the French Institute of Rabat, a space in the heart of the garden will host activities dedicated to children: drawing workshops, water games and story readings. These fun and educational moments aim to raise awareness among the new generation of the importance of nature and the beauty of life.
Visitors, young and old, will also be able to enjoy guided tours organized daily. Accompanied by the exhibition curator and cultural mediators, school groups and the general public will discover the work of El Ghrib through adapted cultural mediation, for total immersion in the artist’s universe.
