October 17

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Jihad Eliassa, Artist Who Turned Moroccan Art Upside Down

By Bewildered in Morocco

October 17, 2017





I would like to share with you the pictures of probably the most controversial contemporary Moroccan artist from this year (and maybe not only the year!)

I have been following Jihad for years now, always appreciated his art, always liked the ease and grace that he tackles the issues with. He has always been open and creative with his ideas and the way he presents them to the world.

I finally decided to share his images on my blog to reach bigger audience. When I approached Jihad this morning, to explain me his art a little bit more, he was happy and said:

“I really needed someone like you to write an article about it and clarify the things, because I noticed that people get me completely wrong and misunderstand my art. Look, I’ll give you a good example. People insult Loubna Abidar for being the main character in “Much Loved,” but the truth is that she just played a role.”

I wondered,

What inspired Jihad to draw such controversial pictures?

He said:

“I prefer not to explain it in detail. I want every person to interpret my creations in their own way. Every person may get it differently, depending on their views, background, and many other factors”

[ctt template=”5″ link=”0P_4z” via=”yes” ] I want to vulgarize taboos[/ctt]

“To make long story short, I want to vulgarize taboos”

-Jihad adds and continues;

“I want to change the way a woman is perceived in the Arab world. For me all women are beautiful and they should cherish that, celebrate that, expose that. What I want to do, is to defend women through my vulgar and controversial art, even though many people tend to get me totally wrong. They don’t understand the message I want to deliver.”

As I scroll down his Facebook, I see various comments. Some people encourage Jihad to draw more, saying that he is an amazing artist and should keep on. Others are disappointed and ask him who is he trying to impress with this kind of pictures.

Seems like the idea of “vulgarizing taboos” is not an easy thing to do.

What is your opinion about his art? What do you think about it?

Jihad

 

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