Farid Belkahia

Biography

Farid Belkahia began painting at fifteen and exhibited in Marrakech in 1953. He studied in Paris and Prague, then returned to Morocco to direct the Casablanca Ecole des Beaux Arts until 1974. Belkahia fostered the “Casablanca School” art movement and participated in cultural reviews. In 1969, he organized a landmark exhibition in Marrakech, showcasing Moroccan and international artists. He championed Moroccan culture, using traditional materials and creating universal graphic symbols. His work influenced future Moroccan artists and gained international recognition. Belkahia’s art is featured in collections worldwide, including the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, Qatar. In 2015, the Fondation Farid Belkahia was established in Marrakech to promote his legacy, support younger artists, and advocate for indigenous art forms and traditional craftsmanship.