Untitled

Kunstner

mohammed melehi

Født i Asilah, Morocco

A Visionary of Moroccan Modernism

Mohamed Melehi (1936-2020) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Moroccan art, recognized globally for his pioneering role in establishing modernism within the nation’s artistic landscape. Born in the coastal town of Asilah, Morocco, he embarked on an intellectual journey fueled by diverse influences—spanning European avant-garde movements to Berber traditions—resulting in a distinctive visual language characterized by bold colors and geometric abstraction. His life was a continuous dialogue between the local rhythms of his homeland and the sophisticated currents of international art history.

Melehi's formative years were marked by rigorous academic pursuits that took him far beyond the shores of Morocco. He began his artistic education at the School of Fine Arts of Tetuan, followed by intensive studies across Europe, including the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Santa Isabel de Hungría in Seville, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma. These experiences exposed him to influential artistic currents, shaping his understanding of global art history and equipping him with the technical mastery crucial for his future endeavors. His journey even led him to the United States, where he studied at Columbia University under a Rockefeller scholarship and participated in the landmark Hard Edge and Geometric Painting and Sculpture exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1963.

The Casablanca School and the Spirit of Présence Plastique

Melehi’s most profound contribution to Moroccan art solidified during his involvement in the establishment of the Casablanca School—a movement that emerged in the 19 60s as a radical reaction against prevailing colonial-era artistic conventions. Alongside contemporaries such as Farid Belkahia, Mohamed Chabaâa, and Mohamed Ataallah, he helped organize “Présence Plastique,” an exhibition-manifeste considered the foundational moment of modernism in Morocco. This bold declaration challenged established norms and championed experimentation with new forms and techniques, seeking to create a postcolonial artistic platform that was authentically Moroccan yet globally relevant.

This movement was not merely about aesthetics; it was a political and cultural reclamation. By moving art out of traditional galleries and into the streets through large-scale exhibitions, Melehi and his peers sought to bridge the gap between high art and the public consciousness. This period of intense creativity allowed him to integrate the philosophical rhythms of life with a structured, modern visual language, effectively decolonizing the Moroccan gaze.

Style, Technique, and the Language of Waves

Melehi's artistic style is instantly recognizable for its striking visual characteristics, skillfully blending geometric abstraction with color field techniques. His work often features a mesmerizing interplay of Op Art and vibrant hues that engage the viewer in a playful, optical experience. One of his most iconic motifs is the use of dynamic waves—forms that sometimes take the shape of human body parts or burst upwards like magma, yet remain fully abstracted and deconstructed.

These waves are deeply rooted in Melehi’s interpretation of Moroccan heritage, specifically inspired by the woven tribal products known as Glaoua rugs. By translating the bands and textures of Amazigh textile traditions into modern abstract forms, he achieved a seamless fusion of ancestral memory and contemporary innovation. His technical evolution also saw him experimenting with lacquered cellulose car paint to achieve flat, brilliant colors on wooden surfaces, deliberately minimizing visible brushstrokes to emphasize the purity of composition and the flatness of the plane.

The legacy of Mohamed Melehi remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic innovation. His ability to harmonize the following elements defines his enduring historical significance:

Geometric Abstraction: The use of sharp diagonals, circles, and structured forms to create balance.

Cultural Synthesis: The integration of Islamic art, Berber motifs, and Mediterranean light into a modern framework.

Color Field Exploration: The mastery of intense, saturated palettes that evoke both energy and tranquility.

Postcolonial Identity: The creation of a new visual vocabulary for a nation emerging into its own modern identity.

Museum

Barjeel Art Foundation

Udstillet i Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

A Beacon of Arab Modernity: Exploring the Barjeel Art Foundation

Introduction

The Genesis of a Collection

The Sharjah Art Museum: An Architectural Harmony

Notable Exhibitions and Artistic Dialogue

Beyond Display: Catalyzing Cultural Exchange

Introduction

Nestled within the vibrant cultural landscape of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the Barjeel Art Foundation stands as a testament to the power of vision and dedication in preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of modern and contemporary art from across the Arab world. Founded in 2010 by Emirati commentator Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, this wasn’t merely an institution born from academic research; it began as a passionate personal collection—a gathering of works that spoke to a profound belief in showcasing artistic expression rooted in Arab identity. This initial impulse blossomed into a non-profit organization now boasting over 1,000 artworks, offering an unparalleled window into the diverse cultural perspectives and artistic movements that have shaped the region. The foundation’s mission transcends simple curation; it strives to foster critical thinking about art within the Arab context and beyond, actively shaping its future through collaborative projects and educational initiatives.

The Genesis of a Collection

The story of Barjeel is one of organic growth—a remarkable evolution from humble beginnings to international recognition. Initially exhibiting in an arts space within Sharjah’s Al Qasba district, the foundation quickly gained prominence through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and strategic collaborations with institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. This early success underscored a growing need for a dedicated space—a permanent home where these vital works could be studied, appreciated, and shared with a wider audience. That milestone was reached in May 2018 with the opening of a wing within Sharjah Art Museum—a move that solidified Barjeel’s position as a cornerstone of artistic and cultural life in the UAE. The collection itself is characterized by its breadth and diversity, embracing modernist paintings and sculptures alongside abstract art from the 1950s through the 1980s—a period of intense experimentation and innovation within an Arab context. Artists like Saloua Raouda Choucair, Kadhim Hayder, and Dia Azzawi are prominently featured, embodying both technical mastery and profound cultural resonance.

The Sharjah Art Museum: An Architectural Harmony

The Sharjah Art Museum serves as the ideal backdrop for Barjeel’s collection—a landmark architectural structure designed to maximize the impact of artistic display. Its soaring ceilings and expansive windows bathe the artworks in natural light, creating an immersive experience for visitors eager to engage with art in all its forms. Beyond the dedicated Barjeel wing, guests are invited to explore other exhibitions within the museum, fostering a holistic understanding of artistic expression across cultures and eras. The building’s design prioritizes functionality alongside aesthetic beauty, reflecting Sharjah's commitment to cultural enrichment and intellectual curiosity.

Notable Exhibitions and Artistic Dialogue

Barjeel’s influence extends far beyond its physical space—actively cultivating relationships with museums worldwide—from Egypt and the UK to the United States, Kuwait, Singapore, Iran, and beyond—bringing the richness and diversity of Arab artistic expression to international audiences. Strategic collaborations like “Taking Shape: Abstraction From The Arab World” have facilitated dialogue between artists and scholars alike, challenging perceptions and fostering a deeper appreciation for artistic innovation. Furthermore, Barjeel’s dedication to promoting political works by Arab artists has sparked important conversations about history, identity, and the challenges facing the region—demonstrating that art can serve as a powerful tool for social commentary.

Beyond Display: Catalyzing Cultural Exchange

What truly distinguishes Barjeel Art Foundation is its unwavering commitment to fostering cultural exchange—a place where the stories of Arab artists are heard, celebrated, and understood by audiences around the world. Through educational programs like “Barjeel Global Fellowship” with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and forums such as “Abstraction Unframed,” Barjeel continues to champion artistic dialogue and broaden horizons—solidifying its role as a catalyst for creativity and intellectual engagement within the global art community.