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Chapter 2: Years of Lead (1970-1999)

Moroccan Trilogy 1950-2020
Art and culture in Morocco’s urban centres

Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid
31 March - 27 September 2021

Curators: Manuel Borja-Villel, Abdellah Karroum

About this chapter

A selection of works


Years of Lead (1970 - 1999)

The second period, from 1970-1999, encompasses the so-called Years of Lead, and is among the most violent in Morocco’s recent history, including the uprisings of 1981 and 1984 as a consequence of the political and economic crisis. This chapter introduces some of the most experimental works that remained marginalized for decades, as many artists and intellectuals worked in secret or adopted strategies of resistance to the market and the established podiums, while the state initiated art festivals in major cities. The 2nd Arab Biennial took place in Rabat in 1976, and was followed by the Asilah Festival, which is still taking place today.

Moroccan Trilogy 1950-2020

31 March - 27 September 2021

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Sabatini Building, Floor 3
Madrid, Spain
Location on map

Curators:
Manuel Borja-Villel and Abdellah Karroum

List of participants

Text by Abdellah Karroum
Part of the introductory essay in the book accompanying the exhibition


An initiative of:
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía,
Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Government of Spain,
and National Foundation of Museums of the Kingdom of Morocco

With the collaboration of:
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Qatar Museums and Qatar Foundation

With the support of Fundación Almayuda

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