Fez: The Traitillism movement, a uniquely Moroccan artistic current, is making a significant impact on the global art scene, as affirmed by French writer and art critic Daniel Couturier during a conference in Fez.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Couturier spoke at the second edition of the first Moroccan plastic arts movement, Traitillism, highlighting its remarkable appeal to a diverse audience. The event attracted artists, critics, and art enthusiasts eager to explore the new artistic movement originating in Morocco. Couturier stressed that Traitillism signifies more than just a stylistic change in the art world.

Couturier, an expert on Moroccan art, detailed the origins of Traitillism, founded by Moroccan artist Afif Bennani. He explained that the movement was born out of a desire to create a distinctive artistic expression, diverging from contemporary trends of “random daubing.” Bennani’s innovative graphic exploration led to the mastery of “Khattiyya” in Arabic, or “Traitillism” in French, aft
er extensive experimentation.

He further elaborated that the early stages of creating Traitillism involved a process of trial and error, which eventually led to a mastery of line technique. This evolution, Couturier noted, illustrates the patience and determination necessary to develop a new artistic style.

In a statement to MAP, Couturier addressed the challenges of artistic integration, acknowledging that established artists might be reluctant to embrace a new movement due to concerns about preserving their artistic identity. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about Traitillism’s future, describing it as a straightforward and intuitive movement with a clear definition.

Bennani, president of the National Order of Painters and Photographers, shared the philosophy behind Traitillism, emphasizing its roots in Moroccan heritage. He underscored the movement’s intent to celebrate and preserve Moroccan cultural identity through art, encouraging artists to immortalize iconic heritage sites.

To promote Traitillis
m, Bennani has organized a national tour with exhibitions planned in cities such as Essaouira, Tetouan, Tangier, Marrakech, Dakhla, and Casablanca. The tour aims to engage local artists, share the vision of Traitillism, and invite them to become part of this authentically Moroccan artistic expression.

The event, running from November 26 to December 8, is organized by the National Order of Painters and Photographers in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education-Training and the Alumni Association of Moulay Idriss High School.