- MELEHI, IN CONVERSATION WITH MORAD MONTAZAMI, 2019

Mohamed Melehi was a leading artist in Morocco, mixing a local artistic spirit with social activism in what emerged as an unprecedented post-modern aesthetic in the country. From local Islamic motifs and Moroccan-Berber crafts to abstract, hard-edged techniques, these seven works epitomise the amalgamation of influences that established Melehi as a true postmodern visionary.

Mohamed Melehi co-founded the radical Casablanca Art School. In each of the present pieces, he experimented with new media, readapting the same body of motifs and colour palette that made his touch recognizable at first glance. Yet, Melehi never ceased to improve his technique, and successfully breathed a spirit of renewal in each of these compositions.

Melehi’s life and work were punctuated by his political commitments. He was the designer of the radical left journal Souffles, the organiser of various Pan-African shows, and even endorsed government positions such as arts director at the culture ministry (1985-92). In light of this engagement, his artworks’ references to Islamic cultural heritage are far from innocuous, and often received scholastic attention. Yet, his jubilant palette and bold patterns were first and foremost intended for the wider audience. Arguably, Melehi’s most radical commitment was in his sensual straddling of modernity and tradition, left to be appreciated by any set of eyes.