Paya et Talla

The Moroccan Painter Farid Belkahia

Farid Belkahia, who was born in Marrakesh, is one of the leading contemporary artists in Morocco. It is his recent works, in leather, that have done most to establish his reputation. On stretched sheepskin, Belkahia draws various clay-inscribed signs and symbols - a secret, arcane language of initiation. What attracted director Raoul Ruiz to this unique work, apart from the subject matter, was the theme of the sign. Like all directors, he is also concerned with the question of `framing,' and is drawn here to the teeming, overflowing, unframeable aspect of Belkahia's works. Lastly, Ruiz profiles the artist himself, a man deeply rooted in the Maghrebin land and culture. The subjects, language and forms of Belkahia inspire and transform the director's way of seeing.

© 1998-2008 The Roland Collection & Pira Intl.