Wadia Boutaba: The Moroccan Artist

How did you start in painting?

I have always loved art, and after my Degree in Textile Design I worked in the Fashion Industry. In 2006, I married my husband, who is also Moroccan, and the following year we had a son. I decided to start painting again in my free time and with the encouragement from my husband, I began to show my art for the first time. I began to put my work on the Internet, especially on facebook and that’s where it started. This is when I realised that people connected with my paintings.

So you used the Internet and your skills to make money from home?

My purpose was not really getting money out of my paintings so I had donated my work to raise money of an Islamic charity which is helping the people of Gazza. Soon after this, I was contacted by an Egyptian magazine called Identity, where I was named "Talent of the Month". I was also contacted by a London art agent, who was very interested in my work and organised for my work to be exhibited in the Salvador Dali Gallery in London. I couldn’t believe it as I had always been very private about my art. From there an exhibition was organised for the diplomats at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and more people start asking me to paint for them.

And how was, in general, the response of your audience?

The response has been mainly positive. Morocco has always been a fashionable and exotic destination for Europeans and more people are curious about the Moroccan culture. There is an increase of British people visiting places like Marrakech and Fez and the property industry has been successful. My Paintings have been said to be heart warming and something people can relate to. The music series was especially well received. I use traditional themes with a modern technique which appeals to a wide audience.

Why Morocco is so omnipresent in your paintings?

Morocco will always be in my blood and close to my heart. After becomming a wife and mother, I had time to think about my identity and my roots. Growing up in a different country is not easy as you have to live with two identities. The Moroccan paintings came naturally to me. The Images I paint are from my happy childhood memories, family holidays and my experiences. They are something that every Moroccan, no matter where they are in the world, or what life they are living can connect with. My Moroccan paintings are nostalgic and they are also a fact. I try to make my work bright as I love colour and Morocco is full of colour.

What are the main themes you focus on in your paintings?

My two main inspirations are of women and music. Moroccan women tend to be strong and the rock of the home. I also paint musicians and music scenes as that is another thing that is close to my heart. These scenes are part of our culture and I have had requests of paintings from Greece, South America, and the Arab world.

Do you think Art can be a bridge between peoples and between cultures?

I believe that in recent times Muslims have received negative media coverage in Europe, and my Artwork was to show that we are not bad people. We are just like everyone else. I wanted to open the viewers’ eyes and make them think. People connect to my paintings regardless for their background.

Have you been inspired by any painter?

I am inspired by many painters. I like the works of the German painter Paul Klee and I am a follower of the arts in the Middle East.

What exhibitions have you held recently?

There have been no recent exhibitions and I am focusing on development. Everything I do has been from home and these are the early days for me as an artist. I am excited by every new opportunity.

What are your future plans?

I am at the beginning of my professional career as an artist. I have been fortunate to connect with writers, poets, and other worldwide artists. I have also been asked to teach. I am lucky and welcome the future. I would love to exhibit in Morocco, and be recognised for my art in my country. I would love to return to Morocco and actually paint there. After all, I want my children to have the same love for Morocco that I had as I was growing up.