Mohamed Melehi: Œuvre en héritage, at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art

The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art in Rabat presents Mohamed Melehi: Œuvre en héritage, a major retrospective celebrating the life and work of one of Morocco’s most influential modern artists. On view from 29 April to 31 August 2026, the exhibition traces nearly seven decades of artistic production, from the 1950s until Melehi’s passing in 2020.

 

Conceived as a journey through the artist’s life, travels, and creative evolution, the exhibition brings together a comprehensive selection of key works that illuminate the development of Melehi’s distinctive visual language. Structured through both chronological and geographical narratives, the presentation follows the artist’s experiences across Morocco, Europe, the United States, and beyond, highlighting the diverse influences that shaped his practice.

 

A central figure of the Casablanca Art School, Melehi played a pivotal role in redefining modern art in Morocco. His practice merged local cultural references with international modernist movements, creating a visual vocabulary that was at once deeply rooted and globally resonant. At the heart of his work lies the iconic wave motif, a dynamic form that became his signature and a powerful symbol of movement, energy, and cultural exchange.

 

The exhibition is further enriched by a selection of archival materials, photographs, and documents generously provided by the artist’s family and close collaborators. These materials offer valuable insight into the intellectual and artistic dimensions of Melehi’s practice, while shedding light on a transformative period in Morocco’s cultural history.

 

More than a retrospective, Œuvre en héritage is a tribute to an artist whose vision helped shape the course of modern Moroccan art. By bringing together landmark works and rarely seen archival material, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the enduring legacy of a pioneering artist whose influence continues to resonate across generations.