On the occasion of International Women's Day, Moroccan painter Latifa Oukir, based in Essaouira, participated in a collective exhibition held at the Bab Marrakech Tower, organized by fellow artist Mustafa Ben Malik under the theme "My Journey with Women." For Oukir, this participation served as a vital opportunity to express her artistic vision and experiences related to contemporary women's issues.
In addition to the exhibition, Oukir chose to share her artwork with friends on her Facebook page, believing that the event called for conveying her artistic message to a broader audience. Her painting reflects the experience of modern women seeking inner balance amid life's complexities.
In her commentary, Oukir stated, "I chose the dervish because I am influenced by Sufi culture. In Sufism, the act of spinning is not merely a movement; it symbolizes the inner quest for meaning and the center of the spirit. This meaning resonates closely with the idea of the painting, which speaks to the state of being lost and the search for balance within women."
The artwork depicts a woman standing between two contrasting surfaces: a smooth surface suggesting calmness and order, and a wavy one reflecting inner turmoil and numerous questions. At the center of the painting, a dervish's head is surrounded by a swirling motion, resembling an endless journey of spinning.
According to the artist, "Here, the spinning becomes not a sign of loss, but an act of searching — a constant endeavor to find the center of the self, where reality intersects with the feelings of the soul." In an interview with the newspaper, Oukir expressed, "My participation in the collective exhibition presents an artistic opportunity to address issues and human experiences that women face in our contemporary world. Art is not merely a visual endeavor; it serves as a space for reflection, dialogue, and questioning." She further added, "The exhibition allows female and male artists to meet and exchange views on the theme of women, not only as a subject of celebration but as beings undergoing multiple transformations and challenges. Participating in such a collective exhibition opens the door for diverse artistic experiences to converge around a single idea, enriching the artistic discussion and offering the audience multiple interpretations of the theme."
Regarding the number of works showcased, she clarified, "I will present one painting, as each piece in a collective exhibition requires its own space to be appreciated calmly, allowing the audience to contemplate the idea that the artwork carries without distraction." Oukir is a self-taught visual artist who has had a passion for art since childhood. However, she spent many years in the healthcare field as a resuscitation nurse and later as a laboratory manager for medical analyses. Upon relocating to Essaouira, painting regained its place in her life, inspired by the city's ancient architecture, narrow alleys, vibrant colors, and the artistic works scattered throughout its spaces, which have greatly enriched and deepened her artistic experience.
She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message for all women on their international day: "Happy International Women's Day! May you always be a beautiful and successful woman."
As reported by alittihad.info.
