Episode 11: Casablanca Art School: The Making of an Artist Revolution

Overview

What role have artists played in dismantling colonial infrastructures? In what ways have they contributed to creating new platforms in the postcolonial era? What can we learn about forging solidarities through art from past generations? In this episode, Hoor Al Qasimi speaks with Morad Montazami, who co-curated The Casablanca Art School: Platforms and Patterns for a Postcolonial Avant-Garde (1962–1987) with Madeleine de Colnet, about the artistic revolution that followed Morrocan independence in 1956. They discuss the transformation of Casablanca Art School and the efforts towards cultural decolonisation led by Farid Belkahia, Mohammed Chabâa, Bert Flint, Toni (Antonella) Maraini and Mohamed Melehi. Tune in to hear about the story of the Moroccan ‘new wave’ that triggered a new social movement and contributed to artistic solidarities between Latin America, West Asia and Africa.