Selected artworks
on being indigenous
My Afro-Arab roots are a central source of inspiration for my art. With my artworks, I aim to counteract the cultural alienation that the Indigenous culture of North Africa, the Imazighen, has experienced since colonization while simultaneously raising awareness of the threats to Indigenous life.
As an Amazigh artist, I explore what it means for me to be Indigenous. This exploration encompasses the restoration of cultural heritage as well as the responsibilities that come with embracing this identity. At the core of my heritage—and my work—is the deep connection that the Imazighen have with nature, particularly with the earth and water, the concept of original wisdom.
Indigenous cultures can teach us that true innovation lies in a conscious balance between past, present, and future—in an understanding of development that prioritizes connection, sustainability, and collective well-being.
The artwork on the right ("On Being Indigenous") celebrates the elements and colors of nature, capturing the feeling of having an intimate bond with the earth—much like being in the mother womb—loved and sheltered.
104 x 80 cm | acrylic & pastel on canvas | available
unearthing wisdom
Through “Unearthing Wisdom”, I engage in a dialogue with my ancestors. I carry their essence within my DNA, under my skin—their life experiences and traumas echo through my being.
In this work, I lament the grief of witnessing wisdom alienated and erased by colonization. The violence of that era left behind a culture traumatized and fractured, with future generations tasked with the healing.
There is immense beauty and knowledge in cultures that have survived, waiting to be decolonized. They offer us a glimpse into our shared heritage—one that transcends borders, beliefs, and systems.
By exploring these cultures, we uncover insights that can guide us in addressing global challenges, from climate change to human conflict. In doing so, we honor the legacies of those who came before us and cultivate a deeper appreciation of who we are today.
100 x 70 cm | acrylic and pastel on canvas | available
decolonized gaze
Exploring my ancestral roots also means reflecting on my relationship to Morocco as a daughter of the diaspora and challenging persistent post- and neo-colonial tendencies. The artwork was created in Marrakech, a city that is shaped along the Eurocentric gaze, overshadowing heritage. This artwork aims to show Marrakech in its original colours and atmosphere for which I used pigments and soil from the plants.
95 x 85 cm | acrylic and pastel on canvas | wip
collective resilience
This painting started with a raw structure to visualise the art of Amazigh craftsmanship. Slowly, I began to fill in the holes with colours and small structures that hold the skeleton together – symbolizing the mosaic of an individual growth process through collective effort.
acrylic and pastel on canvas | 70x80 cm | sold