Kasr Al Bahr: Kamilya Zarkani Explores Moroccan Heritage Through Contemporary Art

Moroccan visual artist Kamilya Zarkani presents her latest exhibition, Kasr Al Bahr: History and Heritage, hosted in the historic Kasr Al Bahr building at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat. Running from October 20 to December 20, 2025, the exhibition offers a contemporary artistic interpretation of Morocco’s rich cultural legacy.

Rooted in a deep connection to Arabic letters and Moroccan identity, the exhibition unfolds as a visual narrative where heritage, memory, and modern creativity intersect. Through 41 artworks in various formats, Zarkani invites visitors to explore a universe shaped by tradition and renewed through artistic innovation.

A Dialogue Between Materials and Craftsmanship

The exhibition showcases a diverse body of work created using mixed techniques, including oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, and the integration of natural materials such as wood. Zarkani further enriches her compositions with semi-precious stones, embroidery, and collage, giving each piece a textured depth that echoes Morocco’s artisanal savoir-faire.

This fusion of materials reflects a strong artistic identity where contemporary expression remains firmly anchored in cultural authenticity.

Celebrating the Diversity of Moroccan Heritage

Kasr Al Bahr: History and Heritage highlights the plurality of Moroccan culture, its landscapes, traditions, and symbolic richness. Several artworks pay homage to emblematic elements such as the Moroccan Sahara and the traditional caftan, illustrating how heritage continues to inspire and shape artistic creation.

The exhibition emphasizes the idea that cultural heritage is a living force, expressed through dialects, traditions, collective imagination, and ancestral knowledge passed down through generations.

The Arabic Letter as a Symbolic Language

A central feature of the exhibition is the prominent use of Arabic characters, treated not only as calligraphic forms but as carriers of spiritual and historical meaning. Zarkani develops a personal artistic approach centered on black and gold tones, conveying strength, depth, and singularity.

Recurring symbols such as the protective eye and the khmissa hand appear throughout the exhibition, referencing Moroccan beliefs associated with protection and spiritual balance. These elements add both a cultural and universal dimension to the artworks.

An Artistic Journey Between Tradition and Modernity

Originally from Ouezzane, Kamilya Zarkani has established a strong presence in Morocco’s contemporary art scene through numerous solo and group exhibitions held in prestigious cultural venues across the country. Her work is recognized for its ability to merge modern artistic language with traditional heritage, creating a distinctive visual signature.

With Kasr Al Bahr: History and Heritage, Kamilya Zarkani delivers a powerful artistic statement, reaffirming that embracing one’s cultural roots remains a vital source of creative expression and universal resonance.