Under Destruction at MACAAL: Ismail Alaoui Fdili Explores Memory, Demolition, and Urban Transformation in Marrakech

Marrakech continues to position itself as a key cultural destination with the unveiling of Under Destruction, a powerful new exhibition by Franco-Moroccan artist Ismail Alaoui Fdili at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL). Presented as part of the third edition of Mai de la Photo 2026, this thought-provoking showcase runs from May 2 to August 2, 2026, and dives deep into themes of memory, urban change, and human resilience.

A Contemporary Art Exhibition Rooted in Memory and Transformation

Curated by Farah Maakel, Under Destruction aligns with this year’s Mai de la Photo theme, “Memory(s),” bringing together a network of cultural institutions across Marrakech. The exhibition takes place in the MACAAL Artist Room, a space dedicated to experimental and multidisciplinary artistic expressions.

At its core, the project explores the destruction of both natural and urban landscapes through the lens of construction sites. Ismail Alaoui Fdili documents environments in transition, focusing particularly on Casablanca, his hometown. Here, historic early 20th-century Art Deco buildings around the old medina are being demolished and replaced by more standardized structures, reshaping the city’s identity.

Documenting the Disappearance of Casablanca’s Architectural Heritage

Through striking photographic works, the artist captures the final moments of these disappearing spaces. His approach goes beyond architecture, offering an intimate look at the people who inhabit and work within these environments. Laborers, many from the medina, are shown salvaging materials, navigating precarious conditions, and preserving fragments of a city in flux.

The exhibition highlights a delicate moment of transition where present reality becomes memory. It reflects a shared emotional landscape among residents, balancing uncertainty, nostalgia, and adaptation as familiar surroundings vanish.

A Unique Artistic Approach Blending Photography and Material

What sets Under Destruction apart is its immersive and material-driven presentation. The photographs are printed on concrete and prefabricated cement panels, sometimes cut and assembled into sculptural reliefs. This choice reinforces the connection between subject and medium, embedding the narrative directly into construction materials.

Complementing the visual works is a series of concrete stools inspired by those used by local residents observing the demolition of their homes. This subtle yet powerful detail adds a human dimension to the installation.

The exhibition also features a black-and-white documentary film that follows the daily life of a building and its inhabitants before and during its demolition. A voiceover from a medina resident anchors the film in lived experience, turning it into a poetic testimony of loss and transformation.

Collaboration with Local Artisans and Cultural Transmission

A key aspect of the project lies in its collaborative process. The artworks were produced within the still-intact areas of the medina, in partnership with local craftsmen. One of them had personally lived in a building that has since been destroyed, adding another layer of authenticity and emotional depth.

This approach reflects a broader intention to preserve and valorize local know-how, even as the physical environment undergoes rapid change.

MACAAL: A Platform for African Contemporary Art

Hosting the exhibition, MACAAL remains one of the leading institutions dedicated to African contemporary art. As a non-profit museum, it continues to promote both emerging and established artists while fostering dialogue between Morocco and the wider continent through exhibitions and educational programs.

A Must-See Cultural Experience in Marrakech

Under Destruction is more than an exhibition. It is a reflection on time, memory, and the invisible narratives behind urban development. For visitors in Marrakech this season, it offers a compelling and immersive cultural experience that resonates far beyond the gallery space.

Practical Information
Location: MACAAL, Artist Room, Marrakech
Dates: May 2 to August 2, 2026

For those interested in contemporary art, photography, and the evolving identity of Moroccan cities, this exhibition stands out as one of the key cultural highlights of 2026.