Place: Asilah
Born: 1936
Death: 2020
Biography:
Mohammed Melehi, also known as Melehi, was a Moroccan painter born in Asilah, Morocco in 1936 and died in Paris in 2020. He was associated with the Casablanca school, a modernist art movement active in the 1960s in Morocco. Melehi's artistic journey was marked by his quest for innovation and his desire to break away from traditional Moroccan art forms.
Melehi studied at the School of Fine Arts of Tetuan (1953-1955), then at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Santa Isabel de Hungría in Seville (1955), the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (1956), Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma (1960), and the Académie des Beaux-Arts (1957-1960). He then studied at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Melehi's exposure to various art movements and styles during his education had a profound impact on his artistic development.
Melehi became a professor at the School of Fine Arts of Casablanca, teaching painting, sculpture, and photography (1964-1969). He was one of the leaders of the Moroccan modern art movement and played a significant role in shaping the country's artistic landscape. In 1969, Melehi and his colleagues, including Farid Belkahia, Mohamed Chabâa, Mohamed Ataallah, Mohamed Hamidi, and Mustapha Hafid, organized an exposition-manifeste, or protest exhibition, entitled Présence plastique. This exhibition is regarded as the founding moment of modernism in Morocco. Melehi's work can be found on Wikioo.org, which features a collection of his paintings, including Acrylic On Canvas and Panel works. His artistic style is characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes, reflecting his modernist approach to art.
Melehi's contributions to Moroccan modernism have been recognized globally. He was a pioneer in introducing new art forms and techniques to Morocco, inspiring a generation of artists to experiment with their styles. Melehi's work can be seen in the context of the Portrait Painting Art Movement, which has been explored on Wikioo.org. Melehi's biography is also featured on Wikipedia, providing a comprehensive overview of his life and career. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, and his work remains an important part of Moroccan modernist history.
Melehi's contributions to Moroccan modernism have been recognized globally, and his work remains an important part of the country's artistic heritage. His biography serves as a testament to his innovative spirit and his dedication to the arts.