“Art is not just about creating interesting objects.” These are words that resonate within the walls of l’atelier de la source du lion. This place is more than just a studio. It’s a hub of artistic energy in Casablanca.
L’atelier de la source du lion stands as a testament to the power of art. It fosters communication and interaction between people. It connects art and everyday life. Founded in 1995 by Hassan Darsi, Rachid L’Moudenne, and Mohammed Fariji, it began with a project in the Ain Sebaa district. This district is also known as the eye of the lion.
The collective grew. It welcomed artists and art enthusiasts from across Morocco. Painters, sculptors, video artists, town planners, and journalists united. They shared a belief in art’s communicative power. Florence Renault-Darsi, an art expert and curator, is also a member. She emphasizes that art encourages people to see things differently.
“Passerelles” or bridges are crucial to l’atelier de la source du lion. These performances and interactive events began in 2002 in Hermitage Park. They became annual features in Casablanca. They even plan to expand to other parts of Morocco.
The openness of “Passerelles” is key. In 2006, Hassan Darsi covered a 327-meter wall in Hermitage Park. He used 78 photographs of people he saw there in a single day. Hasnaa Sabir from the art college set up a ballot box. She invited people to deposit their ideas. Mohamed El Baz organized a silent demonstration. Michel Moffarts from Belgium offered fresh orange juice. He encouraged people to think about the color orange. Darsi explained that orange is a complex color with political connotations.
L’atelier de la source du lion played a role in saving Hermitage Park. The park had been a rubbish dump. The collective’s art events helped secure its restoration. They fought for the right of local residents to participate. The project’s success led to similar projects for other parks in Casablanca.
Hassan Darsi is working on an audio collage about the Moroccan parliamentary election. It will be a virtual “soviet” republic. It will be published in book form and online. Darsi emphasizes the autonomy of art. He wants people to see the world in different ways.
L’atelier de la source du lion aims to establish a permanent base in Casablanca. Moroccan and international artists can meet and collaborate there. They have found a suitable house. They are working to finalize the financial details. They seek multiple sponsors to maintain their independence. Colleagues from Morocco and Europe will contribute. They will donate works for sale at the next “Passerelle”. The proceeds will go towards the artists’ house.
In April 2014, l’atelier de la source du lion hosted artistic interventions. These took the form of meetings and performances. The platform co-organized this with the MuCEM. That is the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. It was the ninth “artistic bridge.” It brought together artists, art historians, journalists, and an eager audience.
The Association de la Source du Lion, founded by Hassan Darsi in 1998, invited five artists. They were in residence to present their work in progress. This was a collective step before the exhibition at MuCEM. The exhibition was part of the “artists in the city” cycle. It was dedicated to contemporary creation in Morocco. Each intervention was presented as video clips.
Yto Barrada presented her project. It articulated the textile work of women and its forms of resistance. Martine Derain took the audience on a walk in Marseille. She shared images and a film of immigrant workers. Younès Baba-Ali organized a live filming performance. Mohamed Laouli screened video extracts of a woman writing. Zahia Rahmani emphasized the importance of the image itself. Hassan Darsi slowed down a video of a building being repainted before the king’s arrival. This raised questions about the aesthetics of politics.
L’atelier de la source du lion sparked collective energy. It fostered a desire to express an effervescent contemporary art. The story continues in Marseille.