According to painter and writer Mahi Binebine, it should be “an incredible showcase for Morocco in one of the most beautiful places in the world.” But the man chosen in September 2023 to lead the Moroccan pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, which begins April 20, has just learned that he has been relieved of his role. As did the three artists Safaa Erruas, Majida Khattari and Fatiha Zemmouri, whose participation also received approval from the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.
“I received it on Monday [15 janvier] “A call from a ministry official who told me very coldly and without any explanation that another curator would take my place and that the artists I had selected would not take part either,” reveals Mahi Binebine, reached by phone.
At the request of Le Monde, the Ministry of Culture could not be reached on Tuesday to explain the reasons for this cancellation. According to Mr Binebine, art historian and independent curator Mouna Mekouar was chosen as his successor. She could not immediately be contacted to confirm her appointment.
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During a trip abroad, Mr Binebine said he did not understand this “last minute decision”. “We were in Venice from September 25th to 29th, we visited the magnificent pavilion at the Arsenal, we did the viewing, we also met the general director of the Biennale,” he says, specifying that the production of The Works of the Artists were financed from their own resources up to the planned level, in agreement with the ministry, he said.
“Lack of Respect”
“I spent tens of thousands of euros so that the project was completed in three months and we could send all the images of the works to the Biennale before the deadline of January 11,” explains Mr. Binebine, adding that the artists “broke down” when they heard the news.
“It's a very hard blow,” admits Safaa Erruas. I worked with a lot of passion because it was an honor to represent Morocco. Today it's a nightmare. How can an institution that is supposed to help and support artists disrespect them so much? »
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Ms. Erruas, who lives in Tetouan in northern Morocco, says she rented a second workshop and commissioned dozens of employees to create a 13-meter-high installation to be presented in Venice. “An extraordinary achievement in a very short time,” says the artist, who confirms that he also received a call from the Ministry of Culture. “The only thing they offered me was to help me find a solution to store my piece,” she emphasizes.
A first for Morocco
Another originally intended artist, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke of “a huge waste.” “The ministry could have warned us beforehand. The three of us concentrated on the Biennale and did nothing else for months. “It’s wasted time that we could have spent doing something else,” she regrets.
According to Mr. Binebine, the lack of understanding is all the greater because the project for a Moroccan pavilion at the Venice Biennale – the first in the country's history – has long been off the agenda. “I spoke directly to the Minister of Culture about this and convinced him to do this from April 2023. The Italian ambassador to Morocco also helped us a lot in this process,” he said.
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In a text posted on social media on Tuesday, Mr. Binebine and the three artists said they wished the new team in charge of the Moroccan pavilion “all the success in the world.” “With dignity we maintain hope in this Morocco that hurts us,” they concluded their message.