Since opening a decade ago, Morocco’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has showcased works by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, establishing itself as a landmark in Rabat. Over the years, it has hosted more than 35 major exhibitions and retrospectives.
Mehdi Kotbi, chairman of the National Foundation of Museums, expressed astonishment at the scope of the exhibitions, which have included renowned figures like Picasso, Delacroix, and Matisse. Alongside these global icons, the museum has featured Moroccan artists, as well as works by Giacometti, Cartier-Bresson, and Goya.
Looking ahead, Kotbi noted that the museum is poised to welcome more high-profile exhibitions, underscoring its bright future. As the first Moroccan institution solely dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the museum has met international standards and played a pivotal role in the country’s cultural landscape. It aims to broaden its focus to include more Arab and African artists.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the museum is displaying two grand installations by Portuguese artist Joanna Vasconcelos, which previously appeared at Versailles and London’s Royal Academy of Arts. Portugal’s ambassador to Morocco, Carlos Marques, highlighted the artworks’ power, both in size and in their themes of femininity and strength. Titled Mary Poppins and Royal, these pieces represent Valkyries, mythical warrior women, and were meticulously handcrafted by women.
The museum’s current exhibition, Cobra: a Multi-Headed Snake, explores the post-World War II avant-garde movement led by European artists. Museum director Mohammed El Idrissi explained that the Cobra movement experimented with color and visual boundaries, bringing a surrealist perspective. Open until March 3, the exhibition offers Rabat’s art lovers an opportunity to delve into the vibrant and boundary-pushing works of this influential movement.
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