Hicham Berrada: Chemical Processes as Artistic Practice
Hicham Berrada, a Casablanca native born in 1986 and currently residing in Paris, blends scientific methods with artistic expression through various mediums such as installation, video, and performance. His artistic focus lies in exploring the dynamics of matter, utilizing chemical substances as pigments. Notable works include 'Un serpent dans le ciel' (2008), 'Natural Process Activation #2' (2011), 'Arche de Miller' (2011-2012), and 'Ampoule' (2007). The 'Présage' series captures chemical reactions in acid baths. Influenced by historical avant-garde figures like Frantisek Kupka and Paul Klee, Berrada will begin a residency at Villa Médicis next year. His recent solo exhibitions took place at Galerie Dominique Fiat, Paris (2013) and Modules at Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, Palais de Tokyo, Paris. Group exhibitions include 'The World is not as I see it' at Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui, Casablanca (2013), and a performance at PS1, New York (2010).
Key facts
- Hicham Berrada was born in 1986 in Casablanca, Morocco.
- He lives and works in Paris.
- His practice combines installation, video, and performance.
- He uses chemical elements and acids as artistic materials.
- 'Un serpent dans le ciel' (2008) features a helium balloon with a brass pendulum.
- 'Natural Process Activation #2' (2011) involves iron powder and acid to potentially form a crystal cave in 25,000 years.
- 'Arche de Miller' (2011-2012) contains prebiotic elements in an aquarium.
- 'Ampoule' (2007) solidifies magnetic radiation of a lightbulb.
- The 'Présage' series films chemical reactions in acid baths.
- Berrada will be a resident at the Villa Médicis next year.
- He references historical avant-garde artists like Frantisek Kupka and Paul Klee.
- Recent solo show at Galerie Dominique Fiat, Paris (2013).
- Group show at Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui, Casablanca (2013).
- Performance at PS1, New York (2010).
Entities
Artists
- Hicham Berrada
- Frantisek Kupka
- Paul Klee
- Sarah Ihler-Meyer
Institutions
- Villa Médicis
- Galerie Dominique Fiat
- Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent
- Palais de Tokyo
- Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui
- Galerie Anne de Villepoix
- Villa Empain
- PS1
Locations
- Casablanca
- Morocco
- Paris
- France
- New York
- United States
- Brussels
- Belgium
Sources
- artpress —