Boundless Creativity: The Artistic Odyssey of Najoua El Hitmi

Najoua El Hitmi, an artist of immense talent and boundless creativity, has captivated the art world with her unique approach and eclectic style. Born in 1978 in Tangier, Najoua’s journey into the realm of art was not a predetermined path but rather a serendipitous discovery that transformed her life.

A Passion Ignited

Najoua’s initial foray into the professional world was within the tourism industry, having completed her studies at the prestigious Institut Supérieur International du Tourisme. However, her true calling emerged when she discovered painting. What started as a casual encounter with art quickly became an all-consuming passion, compelling her to abandon her previous commitments and immerse herself fully in the world of artistic expression.

An Artist Beyond Boundaries

Najoua’s art defies conventional classifications, reflecting her resistance to being confined within any specific artistic movement or trend. Her work is characterized by a spontaneous and intuitive approach, driven by her emotions and interactions with various materials. Her studio in Tangier is a testament to her diverse interests, filled with a myriad of materials from across the globe—papers from Asia, fabrics from different continents, and tools for sculpture and ceramics.

Her creations often feature mysterious scripts that seem to whisper universal stories. These writings, combined with her fluid and dynamic brushstrokes, evoke a sense of timelessness and universal connection. Najoua’s artistic process is deeply personal, yet it resonates with a broad audience, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own consciousness.

Influences and Inspirations

Najoua’s work is heavily influenced by her fascination with calligraphy, particularly Arabic and Asian forms. She draws inspiration from various artists, including Amina Rezki, Soulages, Zao Wou-Ki, François Cheng, and Cy Twombly. These influences are evident in her exploration of form and texture, as well as her ability to convey profound emotions through her art.

Materials and Techniques

In her sculptures, Najoua often works with iron, a material she describes as “alive” and responsive. In her paintings, she experiments with a wide range of materials, including textiles, plaster, and industrial products. This eclectic approach allows her to create pieces that are rich in texture and complexity, each work telling a unique story through its materials and composition.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Najoua El Hitmi’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Morocco and internationally. Some of her notable solo exhibitions include “Instinct Nomade” at Abla Ababou Galerie in Rabat (2024), “Résonance” at the Grand Casino de la Mamounia in partnership with Galerie Eden Art (2024), and “Alkimia” at Galerie Eden Art in Casablanca (2023).

Her participation in collective exhibitions has also been extensive, with her works featured in “Un Air d’Été” at Abla Ababou Galerie (2023), the 40th edition of the Festival d’Asilah (2018), and the Biennale d’Arts Contemporains Laudun l’Ardoise Gard in France (2016).

A Life Shaped by Art

Najoua’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and the places she has visited. Her childhood, spent frequenting the Forbes Museum in Tangier where her father worked as a conservator, exposed her to a wide array of artistic influences. This early exposure, combined with her later travels to Latin America, the Amazon, and Japan, has profoundly shaped her artistic vision.

Her studio in Tangier serves as both a sanctuary and a space for collaboration, reflecting her belief in the importance of sharing and connecting with others through art. It is a place where creativity knows no bounds, and where each new day brings the promise of discovery and inspiration.