Exploring the Legacy of Mohamed Chouika in Marrakech
An academic gathering took place in Marrakech, focusing on the profound contributions of researcher and writer Mohamed Chouika in the realms of literature and cinema. This significant event was held at the Faculty of Arabic Language and was attended by numerous educators and scholars specializing in literature, cinema, and visual aesthetics. Organized by the Laboratory for Complementarity of Approaches in Discourse Analysis (LCAAD) in partnership with the Faculty of Arabic Language, the theme of the event was "Horizon of Creation and the Question of the Visual." It provided a platform to honor the rich intellectual and creative journey of this film critic while highlighting his unique blend of writing and research in visual culture.
During the event, Mohamed Chouika, an academic and expert in audiovisual aesthetics, articulated that this study day served as a celebration of an extensive intellectual and creative journey that spans several years. His work encompasses not only short story writing but also research related to cinema and image culture. Chouika emphasized that such scholarly meetings allow honorees to engage in self-reflection regarding their journeys, revisiting their achievements, interlinking various components, and considering ways to further develop and deepen their work in the future. He noted his extensive research on "image culture," a relatively new and complex field within academic inquiry.
The Importance of Cinema and Visual Arts in Education
Chouika pointed out that despite the critical importance of the field, it receives limited attention compared to other disciplines, especially within Arab and Moroccan contexts. He argued that cinema and image not only represent artistic expressions but also serve as analytical tools that aid in aesthetic education and understanding oneself and others, in addition to exploring various societal issues. The teaching of cinema in Morocco is still in its infancy, and the research in this area remains underdeveloped, necessitating greater focus both academically and scientifically.
Said Laouadi, the director of LCAAD, expressed that organizing this gathering aligns with the goal of recognizing remarkable intellectual and creative experiences, shedding light on various stages and contributions within the fields of creation and criticism. He emphasized that the Laboratory is not just focused on academic activities for students but also aims to engage with its cultural and scientific environment by welcoming notable experiences that have enriched the intellectual and creative landscape. Laouadi underscored that Mohamed Chouika's experience stands out due to its richness and diversity, making it a fitting subject for a scientific meeting dedicated to studying his works and analyzing their multiple dimensions.
The program included discussions on Chouika's narrative experiences from stylistic and semiotic perspectives, along with exploring the interplay between creative writing and visual arts, specifically cinema and fine arts. This event provided an opportunity to discuss the role of images in meaning production and their broader implications. As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
