Morocco's first Venice Biennale pavilion celebrates craft traditions

Morocco debuts its first national pavilion at the Venice Biennale with Asetta, a site-specific installation by Amina Agueznay at the Arsenale. The title, meaning 'loom' and 'ritual of weaving' in Amazigh, reflects the work's focus on traditional craftsmanship. Agueznay, also a trained architect, conducted field research across Morocco and collaborated with over 130 artisans—mostly women—from Casablanca, Marrakech, Souss-Massa, and the Atlas Mountains. The 300 sq. m installation explores transmission of craft and shared memory, honoring the land and people sustaining Morocco's artisanal traditions. It resonates with curator Koyo Kouoh's Biennale theme, In Minor Keys. The work examines the concept of âatba (threshold) in Moroccan vernacular architecture, blending inside/outside, private/public, sacred/profane. A functional design allows visitors to sit and rest. Curated by Meriem Berrada, the pavilion runs from 9 May to 22 November.