David Osuobetey
The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (Macaal) in Morocco is set to reopen following extensive renovations, offering a new era for African art curation. Founded by Othman Lazraq, the museum will now feature a semi-permanent exhibition of 150 works from the family’s impressive 2,500-piece collection.
Meriem Berrada, the museum’s artistic director, has curated the upcoming exhibition, “Seven Contours, One Collection,” which aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding African art. The exhibition showcases artists from across the continent, spanning multiple mediums including photography, sculpture, textiles, and installations. Works by influential artists such as Farid Belkahia, Pierre Bodo, and Salah Elmur will be prominently featured.
Maintaining its traditional riad-style architecture, Macaal has expanded its exhibition spaces to house both the permanent collection and rotating solo exhibitions, with French-Moroccan artist Sara Ouhaddou leading the first showcase.
Lazraq emphasized that African art is not a temporary trend but a dynamic field with deep cultural and historical roots. While African contemporary art has gained recognition in global markets, he noted that its diversity is often underrepresented. His family’s mission is to change this narrative by providing broader access to African art through Macaal.
The museum has also taken a community-driven approach, hosting cultural programs, workshops, and initiatives that make art more accessible to the public. With its reimagined curatorial direction, Macaal is set to solidify its status as a leading institution for African contemporary art, offering visitors a deep and expansive insight into the continent’s artistic heritage.
