Safaa Kotbi

Born in Casablanca in 1995, Safaa Kotbi is an emerging Moroccan artist whose creative journey began in 2007 as an amateur photographer.

Her passion for the arts led her to pursue formal education, culminating in her graduation from the National Institute of Fine Arts in Tetouan in 2021.

Over the past three years, Kotbi has delved deeper into her artistic research, focusing on the intriguing relationship between surface and depth.

This exploration has led her to question and engage with contemporary art concepts, pushing the boundaries of her creative expression.

Her art often features elements such as Zelij (intricate tilework), Tazouwakt (a traditional Amazigh art form), and weaving techniques. These cultural touchstones serve as both subjects and inspiration, allowing Kotbi to create a visual dialogue between Morocco's rich traditions and its contemporary identity.

Kotbi's artistic themes extend beyond cultural exploration.

She is deeply interested in the concept of memory, particularly as it relates to childhood experiences and archival materials.

Her work often touches on unexpected events and their representation in art, adding an element of surprise and spontaneity to her compositions.

As a multidisciplinary artist, Kotbi expresses her ideas through various mediums, including drawing, installation, performance, photography, and kinetic art.

This versatility allows her to approach her subjects from different angles, creating a rich and diverse body of work.

In her photography, Kotbi stands out for her ability to create portraits that are not just visually striking but also deeply rooted in Moroccan culture.

Her images are a feast of color and texture, often featuring models adorned with traditional garments or surrounded by iconic Moroccan objects.

These photographs serve as a bridge between past and present, inviting viewers to appreciate the enduring beauty of Moroccan traditions in a contemporary context.