Fatna Gbouri was a renowned Moroccan multidisciplinary artist, born in 1924 in Tnine El Gharbia, a rural area in the Safi Province. She began her creative journey as a weaver, like many women in her village, while working the land. It was not until 1984, at the age of 59, that she embraced painting, encouraged by her son, the painter Ahmed Mjidaoui. This late start, combined with her lack of formal training, gave Gbouri’s art a raw authenticity and a distinct connection to popular Moroccan traditions.

Her paintings, brimming with vibrant colors and intricate details, portray the simplicity and innocence of traditional rural life. Human figures, often men and women in traditional Moroccan attire, are central to her work. She skillfully captured scenes of everyday life such as weddings, births, milking cows, and local ceremonies, imbued with warmth and cultural depth.

Gbouri’s artistic career took off quickly. She participated in her first group exhibition in Meknes in 1986, followed by her solo debut in Rabat, in 1989. Over the years, her work garnered recognition both locally and internationally, with exhibitions across Morocco, Europe, and the Middle East, including notable shows in France, Germany, and the UAE.

Passing away in 2012, at the age of 88, Gbouri left behind a remarkable legacy. Her vibrant works continue to resonate as celebrations of Moroccan life, deeply rooted in folk culture and tradition.

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