Confirmed and emerging painters from Morocco and abroad, there were around twenty of them exhibiting their latest paintings with the common thread of the intangible wealth of the Kingdom under the evocative theme “heritage in another form”, in the presence of the wali of the Fez-Meknes region, governor of the Fez prefecture, Mouaad Jamai.
Orchestrated by the painter and writer Afif Bennani, this collective exhibition allows the public to admire the brushstrokes characteristic of this purely Moroccan plastic movement that is “Traitillism”.
In a statement to MAP, Mr. Bennani, president of the National Order of Painters and Photographers, explained that this exhibition is the culmination of a long artistic journey which began in 1992.
Indeed, he explained, Morocco has given birth, over the decades, to great painters, but who were always influenced by foreign movements, particularly Western ones.
However, confided Mr. Bennani, “my ambition was to no longer remain dependent” on any foreign movement.
“I continued to research style and techniques, from the Italian Renaissance to the present day, and in 2018 I created a few paintings with a very particular style, only with lines” , he continued.
These paintings aroused the admiration of the French writer and art critic Daniel Couturier who gave the movement the name it now bears, Traitillism.
Indeed, for this fine connoisseur of Moroccan art, Traitillism is “the expression and style of a new school of which Morocco can only be proud.”
“Through Traitillism, painters reflect on their canvases beautiful and noble themes, fair proportions, a balanced composition, overall harmony and subjects which contribute to the magic of contemporary art through a specifically Moroccan sensitivity” , he explains.
For this art critic, Afif Bennani, the founder of this school, “focused on the style and technique of this movement by representing on the canvas an infinite number of small lines breaking down the subject that the eye knows how to recast, thus doubling the pointillism that emerged at the beginning of the last century.
In a statement to MAP, the Head of the Cultural and Artistic Animation Department at the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training, Radouane Mourai, recalled that this exhibition is the second of its kind after the one held last May in Rabat with the theme of “Traitillism”.
“The goal of this collective exhibition is to open up to a new audience in Fez in order to make this new artistic movement known,” he said.
This exhibition continues until December 8 at the Iklyle Fez cultural center of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works of Education-Training. Some 70 paintings with suggestive captions, such as “the Kasbah of Tinzouline” by Afif Bennani, “The Man of Laâyoune” by Aicha Aarji or the “Glance of the Lion of the Atlas” by Karima Alami rub shoulders with striking works talented artists like Mohamed Chiadmi, Mostapha Batha and Mohamed Mikou.
What are the key influences that shaped Afif Bennani’s artistic journey and the development of Traitillism?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Afif Bennani, Painter and Writer
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mr. Bennani! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your recent exhibition, which showcases the theme “heritage in another form,” has sparked significant interest. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this theme?
Afif Bennani: Thank you for having me! The theme “heritage in another form” reflects our goal to present Moroccan culture and history through a contemporary lens. We wanted to explore the intangible wealth of Morocco—its traditions, beliefs, and stories—using the unique language of art. By doing so, we hope to connect the audience with the essence of our heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions.
Time.news Editor: That sounds fascinating! You mentioned that this exhibition is a culmination of a long artistic journey that began in 1992. How has your artistic vision evolved over the years?
Afif Bennani: My journey has been one of exploration and self-discovery. Initially, like many Moroccan artists, I was influenced by Western movements. However, I realized I wanted to create something distinctly Moroccan, so I delved deep into researching styles and techniques across art history. By 2018, I began developing a new style, which I called Traitillism, characterized solely by lines. It was important to me to break free from external influences and celebrate our unique cultural expression.
Time.news Editor: Traitillism is such an intriguing name! How did it come about, and what sets it apart from other artistic movements?
Afif Bennani: The term Traitillism emerged after I showcased my line-based paintings to French writer and art critic Daniel Couturier. He was impressed by the uniqueness of the technique and felt it captured a new artistic expression that Morocco can be proud of. What sets Traitillism apart is its simplicity and focus on lines—each stroke tells a story and evokes emotion without the traditional reliance on color or form. It’s about distilling feelings and experiences into their most fundamental elements.
Time.news Editor: That’s a beautiful philosophy! In your view, how does the Moroccan art scene compare to other regions, especially in the context of globalization?
Afif Bennani: That’s a thought-provoking question. Morocco has a rich artistic heritage, but the globalized art scene often overwhelms local movements. Many Moroccan artists feel pressure to align with popular international trends, which can dilute our cultural identity. However, I believe we must reclaim our narrative. By fostering movements like Traitillism and encouraging artists to explore their roots, we can create a distinct Moroccan voice in the global art community.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartening to hear your commitment to nurturing Morocco’s artistic identity. Can you share your vision for the future of Moroccan art?
Afif Bennani: I envision a vibrant art scene where emerging artists are empowered to explore and express their unique identities. I hope for more exhibitions that highlight not just established artists but also new talents who can contribute fresh perspectives on Moroccan heritage. Ultimately, my goal is to create a sustainable artistic environment where creativity thrives, and our national identity is celebrated on the global stage.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Bennani, for sharing your insights and passion for Moroccan art. We look forward to seeing how Traitillism and your future projects continue to inspire and shape the artistic landscape in Morocco.
Afif Bennani: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss these themes with you, and I appreciate your support for Moroccan art.