The twentieth edition of the Settat International Festival of Plastic Arts (FIAPS), which kicked off on Friday December 20 in the presence of numerous and prestigious guests, continued this weekend in a serene and friendly atmosphere.
Several activities including conferences, debates, tributes, workshop activities devoted to painting, sculpture, ceramics and calligraphy and various musical evenings punctuated the first two days of this annual artistic event, organized from December 20 to 23 by the Bassamat Association of Plastic Arts with the support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Department of Culture.
Placed under the sign “Morocco in the eyes of Africa”, the 20th edition of FIAPS was marked, from the first day, by an inaugural conference around the issue of art, at the National School of Commerce and of management (ENCG) of Settat.
This meeting, moderated by Professor Zoha Haouam, teacher-researcher at ENCG Settat, saw the participation of several artists, academics, researchers and students. It allowed participants to learn more about contemporary art and its evolution in Africa as well as the basis for its recognition on the world stage.
“Africa stands out today as the cradle of a new artistic renaissance. It is not only a land rich in traditions and history, but also a place where cultural innovation takes root and where creativity shines in all fields: music, dance, cinema and classical arts,” said declared Dr. Amane Fahellah to this effect during this conference.
According to the panelist, who holds a doctorate in coastal dynamics from the University of Western Brittany and a master's degree in project management from the Ecole des Mines de Paris, “we are witnessing what we could call a new African renaissance, marked by a teeming artistic movement and a deep awareness of identity,” she explained.
She further noted that “African governments are gradually becoming aware of the economic potential of the cultural and creative industries (CCI). This sector, which already represents 3% of global GDP, is experiencing rapid growth in Africa,” she stressed.
Mr. Jérôme, who has studied primitive arts for more than 40 years across Africa, for his part shared his opinion on artistic practice, his experience and his deep interest in the arts.
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to dare to create with all available materials, to sculpt and paint, saying: “All colors and materials are at your feet. Dare to free yourself from everything around you. Everything is interesting to explore and develop. And above all, move forward, innovate, invent. »
Dr. Rashid Diab, forced to flee Khartoum due to the civil war ravaging his country Sudan, also spoke at this conference. The painter, printmaker and art theorist whose works have been exhibited internationally since the 1970s naturally took advantage of this opportunity to discuss the repercussions of the war on art.
For the Director of ENCG-Settat, Dr Rachid Oumlil, who has great artistic sensitivity and who plays guitar, lute, percussion and harmonica, FIAPS “is a truly exceptional festival that we need, especially in collaboration with the National School of Commerce and Management (ENCG) because I always tell my students here “you don’t just do management, you do art. If you are not artists, you will never be eaters.” So with a festival like this, it opens them up to the horizons of Africa, to the resources of Africa. What are we? What are the different artists we have? What can we learn from them to really be real managers?
Among the highlights of Friday, the tribute paid at the beginning of the evening to the living legend of authentic Moroccan music: Abdelwahab Doukkali whose presence at the official opening of the festival at the headquarters of the organizing association of FIAPS was highly anticipated.
It should be noted that a little earlier before this beautiful tribute, the Moroccan singer and composer toured the paintings and sculptures exhibited as part of this event, discussing at length with them around their works under the flashes of the cameras which jostled to immortalize these moments. Works which have also attracted the attention of other artists, art critics, laureates of fine arts schools, as well as art enthusiasts.
“The 2024 edition is dedicated to Africa. It offers an exhibition, workshops for young people, as well as debates around Africa, interculturality, and the links between Morocco and the African continent. The objective is to promote rapprochement through art, to encourage artistic exchanges, and to think about exhibition strategies,” confided the president of the Bassamat Association of Plastic Arts, Rabiâa Echahed.
“We want to promote art in such a way that it goes beyond the simple creative act to have a real impact on the public. Communicating through art is one of the most accessible and effective ways. Many projects are in preparation in this area, and we are actively working towards their realization,” she added.
Azz Abdellah, whose works highlight the cause of women, declares: “I am really very happy to participate in this quality exhibition, which brings together experienced painters, recognized for their know-how. I am also delighted that other African painters have been invited to this event. I think that African painting is that of the future. »
For him, “this event is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and share our experiences. We have a lot in common: our customs, our visions and sometimes our problems. I am honored to meet them, as they are very talented and have a remarkable ability to express themselves artistically. I also hope to have the opportunity, one day, to exhibit in one of the great African capitals. »
Also present at the opening of the exhibition entitled “Morocco and Africa: a thousand-year-old artistic chiasmus”, the Togolese artist Sokey Edorh confided: “This is the first time that I have participated in this festival, which I find very enriching. It offers a platform to bring together African intellectuals and cultural actors, while supporting Africa's new march towards first cultural and economic development, then social. I appreciate this festival for its true value, because it constitutes a real source of stimulation for the youth and for the future of the entire African continent. Morocco, by getting closer to sub-Saharan Africa, plays the role of godfather, capable of carrying the voice of Africa even further. »
Camera slung over her shoulder, photographer and director Aurore Vinot never stopped moving in search of the best angle for meaningful images to immortalize. “Regarding the Settat International Festival of Plastic Arts, I see that there are many old masters who have a lot to pass on to the younger generation. This festival is rich in diversity, with a multitude of different perspectives and points of view,” confided the photojournalist and author, who returned from the Dakar Biennale in Senegal, where she presented work produced in Bamako, Mali.
Note that the musical evening on Friday was hosted by the Senegalese troupe (MBEMBA DEABATE & SOBALY) and that the closing of this festival was to take place the next day, Sunday 22, with the program of workshops intended for students, followed by the presentation of the prizes. certificates of participation and a musical evening.
Alain Bouithy- DNE -SETTAT
Related News :