Anuar Khalifi: Painting Identity, Tradition, and Modernity

In a recent chat with Canvas, Anuar Khalifi, an artist who learned his craft independently while living between Morocco and Spain, opened up about his artistic path, sense of self, and upcoming shows. His colorful figurative works, known for their absence of shadows, explore themes of identity and the tension between tradition and modern life. Khalifi debuted his first solo show, 'Forever Is A Current Event,' at The Third Line in Dubai back in 2019, inspired by lyrics from Yasiin Bey. One of his pieces, 'Roses & Cockroaches' from 2018, is now part of the MACAAL collection in Marrakech. He’s currently involved in an exhibition titled 'What is forgotten and what remains' at the National Museum of the History of Immigration in Paris, which runs until August 29, 2021, featuring 18 artists from Africa and its diasporas. Khalifi prefers to just be seen as an artist, rather than being labeled 'African' or 'Arab.' He also expressed his concerns about online shows and NFTs, emphasizing the importance of experiencing art in person. This conversation was featured in Canvas 98: Africa Now.