HASSAN HAJJAJ | EXCHANGE

The Third Line, Dubai

Photographer, designer and filmmaker Hassan Hajjaj (b. 1961, Morocco) moved to London aged 12. Growing up immersed in London's club culture as it was taking shape during his teen years, heavily influenced Hajjaj's practice and approach to creativity. Hajjaj reconnected with his birthplace of Morocco after a visit in the early 90s. Despite efforts to break down the class hierarchies and ambient racism of the time, Hajjaj noticed that stereotypes around Moroccan life still existed, even amongst his London peers. A desire to subvert the conventional views of Morocco drove the artist to create works that reflect the country’s cultural mélange – encompassing both the ordinary and the vibrant. Best known for his photography, Hassan’s practice focuses mainly on maximalist portraits of various characters from international musicians to unique personas which he casts in his photoshoots. Subjects are ornately framed and accessorized with colorful everyday items readily available from local markets. He merges Moroccan culture with his distinct hip-hop flair. Hajjaj refers to the frequent comparisons of his work to that of Andy Warhol in his merchandize ‘Andy Wahloo’, a play on words that translates in Arabic to “I have nothing”.

Hajjaj’s selected solo shows include, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris (2019); Hassan Hajjaj: The Path, New Art Exchange, Nottingham (2019); La Salle de Gym des Femmes Arabes, Al Riwaq Art Space, Adliya, Bahrain (2017); La Caravane, Somerset House, London (2017); Hassan Hajjaj, My Rock Stars Experimental, Vol.1, Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus (2015); Kesh Angels, Taymour Grahne Gallery, New York (2014); My Rock Stars: Volume 1, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles (2014); Fashion in Motion, Victoria & Albert Museum, London (2005).

Hajjaj’s work has been exhibited internationally in many exhibitions including, Material Insanity, Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Marrakesh (2019); the African Metropolis: An Imaginary City, Maxxi National Museum, Rome (2018); National Gallery of Victoria Triennial, Melbourne (2017); Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy of Arts, London (2017); Treasures of Islam in Africa. From Timbuktu to Zanzibar, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris (2017); Islamic Art Now: Contemporary Art of the Middle East, LACMA, Los Angeles (2015); Light from the Middle East, Victoria & Albert Museum, London (2013); We are not Witches, Saatchi Gallery, London (2010); Africa Remix, Hayward Gallery, London (2005) and Contemporary African Visual Arts, the British Museum, London (2005).

Hajjaj’s achievements and accolades are extensive. These include, a Certificate of Recognition by The City of Los Angeles, State of California (2014); winner of The Sovereign African Art Prize for the work Rubbish Odalisque Johannesburg, (2011) and the French award ‘Fooding Guide Award’ for the best restaurant décor, granted to Andy Wahloo Bar, Paris (2004). Further to this, he has produced extensively for major international magazines, album covers, television and advertising.

Hajjaj’s works have been acquired by the Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi; MAXXI National Museum, Rome; Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Marrakesh; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles; Brooklyn Museum, New York; Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the British Museum, London.

The artist lives and works between London and Marrakech.