Sara Ouhaddou: Breaking Traditions to Preserve Culture
Sara Ouhaddou, a French-Moroccan artist born in 1986 in Draguignan, is known for her artistic exploration of cultural narratives through mediums like textiles, ceramics, and glass. Currently residing in Marrakech, she advocates for innovative approaches to cultural conservation. Ouhaddou's work has drawn connections between early Arab influences on the French Riviera and examined the interplay of crafts from various regions, including Japan and North Africa. Her pieces have been displayed at prestigious venues like Palais de Tokyo and Art Dubai. In 2024, she is set to unveil a collection addressing the relationship between artists and craft communities at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden.
Key facts
- Sara Ouhaddou is a French-Moroccan artist born in 1986 in Draguignan, France.
- She uses craft materials to explore cultural histories, especially in the Arab world.
- She has exhibited at Palais de Tokyo, Galerie Polaris, Art Dubai, and Marrakech Biennale.
- She studied product design at Ensaama School of Art & Design in Paris.
- She worked at L'Oréal for six years before leaving to pursue art.
- Her 2014 residency at the French Institute in Marrakech was funded by a grant from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.
- In 2020, she presented works at Musée d'Histoire de Marseille as part of Manifesta 13.
- Her series A Syntax (2020–ongoing) turns Islamic mosaics into a fractured alphabet.
- New works will be shown at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden in Marrakech in 2024.
- She plans to explore stars as motifs in craft.
Entities
Artists
- Sara Ouhaddou
Institutions
- Palais de Tokyo
- Galerie Polaris
- Art Dubai
- Marrakech Biennale
- Ensaama School of Art & Design
- L'Oréal
- Lancôme
- Armani
- French Institute in Marrakech
- Arab Fund for Arts and Culture
- Musée d'Histoire de Marseille
- Manifesta 13
- Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden
Locations
- Marrakech
- Morocco
- Draguignan
- France
- Marseille
- Côte d'Azur
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Aomori
- Mediterranean