ARTIST

Born in 1956 near Essaouira, Ali Maimoun is considered one of the most emblematic figures of the singular art movement of Essaouira, regrouping self-taught artists. Deeply influenced by African storytelling, popular tradition, magic, tribal rites, and ceremonies, he began his creative exploration with stone sculpture as a mason, then turned to wood, from which he carves remarkable representations of humans and animals.

His visual experiments led to painting, which became his medium of choice to detail a phantasmagorical world, in which mythological characters coexist with scenes from everyday life. Ali Maimoun considers his approach as a process of transmission that explores traditional heritage, with its customs and rituals. Fascinated by trance ceremonies, the artist transcribes their psychedelic energy into his creations. Genies and supernatural beings come to life in his colorful compositions: transfigured humans, men and animals. Often referred to as the painter of animism and fetishism, he is widely recognized for his skillful palette, assembling works with an exceptional homogeneity of color.

For Untitled, 2015 the artist used coloured sawdust that he makes into a paste and that gives this work a sculptural quality.

Ali Maimoun lives and works in Essaouira.

CHARITY

Education For All (EFA) was established to help provide secondary education for girls from the High Atlas mountain region.

EFA builds and runs high-quality boarding houses for girls from 12–18. Everything is provided for free. They offer 3 nutritious meals a day, hot showers, cosy beds, access to computers, study support via an international volunteer programme and dedicated, local housemothers.

The overall environment makes it easy for the girls to settle in and thrive in their studies. EFA has an average of 90% pass rate across all years and now have 50 EFA girls enrolled at university.