Hassan Hajjaj

‍

Hassan Hajjaj (b. 1961) is a Moroccan-British artist whose work celebrates Moroccan culture while also exploring themes of globalisation and cultural exchange. He has been touted as the “Andy Warhol of Marrakech.”

‍

Early Life and Background

Born in 1961 in Larache, Morocco, Hassan Hajjaj moved to London at a young age and later studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Hajjaj’s art, which includes paintings, photographs, and installations, is heavily influenced by his Moroccan heritage, and the cultures he has encountered through travel. It often features bright colors, bold patterns, and found objects such as traditional Moroccan textiles, consumer products, and recycled materials.

‍

Hassan Hajjaj’s Work

Hajjaj's photographs are known for their bold use of color, pattern and textiles. He often combines traditional Moroccan elements such as textiles, ceramics, and furniture with contemporary pop culture imagery and references. One of Hajjaj's most notable series is "My Rockstars," which showcases portraits of Moroccan musicians, artists, and other cultural figures including a famous image of Cardi B. dressed in traditional Moroccan attire and surrounded by colorful and eclectic collages of objects. These artworks pay tribute to the rich cultural traditions of Morocco and honour the individuals who are helping to preserve and promote them. In 2019, he photographed Billie Eilish for a Vogue shoot in Los Angeles, USA. For the shoot, Eilish wore clothing and accessories he designed in collaboration with Poppy Lissiman. In addition to his photographs, Hajjaj is also a fashion designer who has created collections for major brands such as Nike and Levi's.

‍

‍

Hajjaj's art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Saatchi Gallery in London, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in Dubai, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and also sold by Sotheby's, one of the largest art collectors in the United Kingdom. In addition to being an artist, he is also known for his philanthropy and uses his influence to promote and support charitable causes.

Hajjaj has a concept store in London called the Larache shop. The store  is named after the small Moroccan fishing village where Hajjaj was born. His retail store is a unique location where he is able to showcase his design objects as well as his clothing and accessory lines such as "Andy Wahloo Apparel" or "Yima." His work is also available to view/buy in a concept store located in the Sidi Ghanem industrial zone of Marrakech.

‍

Legacy

Hassan Hajjaj is a multifaceted and acclaimed street artist whose work is now world renowned. His art is heavily influenced by Moroccan traditions, his own lived experience and unfiltered street culture. His images are witty and poignant, while also challenging Western perceptions of the hijab and female disempowerment (Vigo Gallery). His work reflects his own diverse background and experiences and pays tribute to those who are helping to preserve Moroccan culture.

‍