Morocco
Rabat
2024
11
French
In a nutshell
Presented at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the exhibition Abdellatif Laâbi: A Poet Passes Through offers an exclusive exploration of the profound influence of Abdellatif Laâbi, a pivotal figure in Moroccan culture. This multifaceted showcase delves into his expansive oeuvre as a poet, editor, translator, and painter. It illuminates how Laâbi’s innovative artistry served as a powerful voice for a generation seeking meaning, employing his diverse mediums to provoke thought and inspire critical reflection on societal paradigms.
Why should you watch this?
This exclusive exhibition offers a profound opportunity to delve into the transformative world of Abdellatif Laâbi, a truly defining voice in Moroccan culture whose multifaceted contributions resonate deeply with contemporary discussions on art, identity, and the search for meaning. This illuminating visit provides an intricate look at the diverse facets of his artistic output, encompassing his powerful poems, published works, personal archives, evocative paintings, and compelling videos. Through this comprehensive showcase, viewers will witness how Laâbi’s many talents converge to create a singular and truly special vision. It represents a poignant journey into how he masterfully employed art to question societal constructs, foster critical reflection, and powerfully express the enduring human quest for meaning. In an era marked by evolving identities and the continuous search for authentic expression, Laâbi’s profound insights offer vital perspectives. This rare opportunity not only honors a remarkable legacy but also invites viewers to engage with the transformative power of art in shaping cultural narratives and inspiring deeper introspection, underscoring the vital role of creative expression in our contemporary landscape.
Curator
Abdellatif Laâbi
Bio
Abdellatif Laâbi is a renowned Moroccan poet, novelist, playwright, translator, and political activist. Born in Fez in 1942, he co-founded the influential literary magazine Souffles in 1966, which became a cornerstone of postcolonial cultural and political discourse in North Africa.
Laâbi’s outspoken criticism of authoritarian regimes led to his imprisonment from 1972 to 1980 for “crimes of opinion.” Following his release, he relocated to France in 1985, where he continued his literary and activist work.
His extensive body of work, encompassing poetry, novels, plays, and translations, has earned him numerous accolades, including the Prix Goncourt de la Poésie in 2009 and the Grand Prix de la Francophonie from the Académie Française in 2011.
Laâbi’s writings, often centered on themes of human rights, freedom, and cultural identity, have solidified his position as a leading voice in contemporary Francophone literature.
Artist
Abdellatif Laâbi
Bio
Abdellatif Laâbi is a renowned Moroccan poet, novelist, playwright, translator, and political activist. Born in Fez in 1942, he co-founded the influential literary magazine Souffles in 1966, which became a cornerstone of postcolonial cultural and political discourse in North Africa.
Laâbi’s outspoken criticism of authoritarian regimes led to his imprisonment from 1972 to 1980 for “crimes of opinion.” Following his release, he relocated to France in 1985, where he continued his literary and activist work.
His extensive body of work, encompassing poetry, novels, plays, and translations, has earned him numerous accolades, including the Prix Goncourt de la Poésie in 2009 and the Grand Prix de la Francophonie from the Académie Française in 2011.
Laâbi’s writings, often centered on themes of human rights, freedom, and cultural identity, have solidified his position as a leading voice in contemporary Francophone literature.