El Anatsui

Deeply connected to his Islamic and spiritual beliefs, Rahmoun’s art explores and engages with Eastern philosophy and Sufism – a type of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes introspection and spiritual closeness with God. Rahmoun often follows common Islamic artistic principles, such as the use of significant numbers, geometry and repeating patterns. He is inspired by the architecture of Morocco and is also drawn to everyday materials, whether taken from nature or local found objects. He is part of Collectif 212, a group of artists who focus on their Moroccan culture and practice what they describe as ‘expressive minimalism’. Working predominantly in sculpture, but also with drawing, video and performance, Rahmoun orients his works towards Mecca. Exhibited in Viva Arte Viva at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017, the multimedia installation Taqiya-Nor (‘Hat Light’
in Arabic) is made up of seventy-seven traditional woollen Moroccan hats of differing patterns, lit from within and clustered into groups that are dispersed throughout the gallery space. The number 77 refers to the Islamic tradition of the 77 ways to practice one’s faith.

This text is adapted from Phaidon’s publication 'African Artists: From 1882 to Now', with introduction by Chika Okeke-Agulu and glossary by Joseph L Underwood.

As featured in the New York Times, ARTnews, Colossal, Metropolis and New York Magazine’s The Strategist - the book is a groundbreaking A-Z survey of the work of over 300 modern and contemporary artists born or based in Africa.

Latitudes Co-Founder, Lucy MacGarry consulted on the selection process for the artists featured within the publication.

BUY ONLINE at phaidon.com

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