Blessings from Morocco
Exhibition information
Discover the work of Dutch-Moroccan artist and designer Mina Abouzahra in her solo exhibition Blessings from Morocco, taking place at Ocean Drive Talamanca from 6th to 24th August.
Inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship, the legacy of Dutch design and the power of community, Mina creates collectible furniture, textiles and works of art that bridge tradition and contemporary design. Following extensive research into weaving techniques across different regions of Morocco, weaving has become the central focus of her artistic practice. She works closely with a women-led and trained cooperative of weavers in Taznakht, helping to preserve ancient craft knowledge and promoting the economic empowerment of the female artisans through direct and fair collaboration.
The exhibition Blessings from Morocco offers a unique insight into the stories, symbols and techniques that shape her work, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Amazigh (Berber) weaving. More than mere objects, these textiles are woven testimonies of life, bearers of meanings and stories passed down from generation to generation.
The exhibition includes a selection of Mina's most representative works, among them her iconic Abouzahra – Rietveld Fauteuil, hand-woven rugs and wall tapestries. All pieces will be available for purchase.
Her works form part of the collections of the Amsterdam Museum, the Centraal Museum Utrecht and Het Nieuwe Instituut, and have been exhibited internationally in institutions such as the Wereldmuseum, the Palais Bahia (Morocco) and the COBRA Museum.
Artist's biography
Mina Abouzahra (Netherlands, 1977) is a Dutch-Moroccan furniture designer and maker whose practice combines contemporary design, textile art and cultural research. Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, she develops her work from a space of encounter between two cultures, where heritage, material knowledge and contemporary design converge in a distinct visual language.
Her work is deeply rooted in Moroccan craft traditions, especially the art of weaving. Through prolonged research and close collaboration with local craftswomen, Abouzahra explores the techniques, history and social structures that form part of these practices. Rather than treating craft as a reference to the past, she presents it as a living and constantly evolving language within contemporary design.
Collaboration is at the core of her methodology. She works with women's weaving cooperatives in rural areas of Morocco, boosting the visibility of female labour and promoting fairer, more sustainable production models. In this way, her practice transcends the artistic object to address issues such as authorship, the conservation of cultural heritage, sustainability and social impact.
Since the establishment of her studio in 2013, Abouzahra has developed a body of work that moves naturally between furniture, textiles, and artistic installation. Her pieces highlight the structural and tactile qualities of woven materials, using textile not as a decorative element, but as an essential component of construction, narrative, and meaning.
One of the most representative projects of his career is The Soul Of A Rug, developed alongside Noria Chaal and the weavers of Taznakht. The project investigates the textile traditions of the Amazigh people and highlights the socio-economic reality of artisan communities. Combining contemporary design and immersive narratives, it reflects Abouzahra's commitment to connecting past and present, local knowledge and international dialogue.
Through her work, Mina Abouzahra expands the role of craftsmanship within contemporary design. Her pieces combine a keen material sensitivity with a strong conceptual dimension, offering a reflection on heritage, artisan labour, female authorship and the future of traditional trades.
Training
* Wood and Furniture College (Amsterdam)
He studied furniture design. During his final year he discovered Moroccan craftsmanship thanks to an internship in Morocco.
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Collections
Her works form part of the collections of:
* Centraal Museum (Utrecht)
Textile Museum (Tilburg)
* Jewish Historical Museum (Amsterdam)
* Van Eesteren Museum (Amsterdam)
* Wereldmuseum (Rotterdam)
* COBRA Museum (Amstelveen)
* Muiderslot (Muiden)
Social media
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/minaabouzahra/?hl=en
