Nabil El Makhloufi

“My works address the central questions of identity, belonging, origin, but also the relationship between individual and community, and the fragility of human existence. As a painter, I aspire to express ambivalence, ambiguity and complexity through a pictorial language that is both poetic and realistic.” 

- Nabil El Makhloufi

Nabil El Makhloufi, a contemporary artist of Moroccan origin, was born in the vibrant city of Fez in 1973. From his early years, El Makhloufi exhibited a profound interest in the arts, showing a natural inclination towards creativity and expression. This innate talent led him to pursue formal artistic education, first at the Art School of Rabat in Morocco, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of his homeland.

Following his formative years in Rabat, El Makhloufi embarked on a journey of artistic exploration that took him across continents. He furthered his education at the School of Visual Arts in Leipzig, Germany, immersing himself in the rich artistic traditions of Europe while continuing to draw inspiration from his Moroccan roots. This fusion of influences would come to define El Makhloufi's distinctive style—a synthesis of cultural in-betweenness that defies easy categorization.

El Makhloufi's artistic odyssey is marked by a relentless pursuit of self-expression and a commitment to addressing existential themes through his work. His paintings delve into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human condition, offering viewers a window into the intricacies of lived experience. Through dream-like imagery, vibrant colors, and airy brushwork, El Makhloufi captures moments of quiet contemplation and profound realism, inviting audiences to engage in dialogue and reflection on pressing societal issues.

Over the years, El Makhloufi's art has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, with exhibitions spanning cities such as Frankfurt, Casablanca, London, Dakar, and Beirut. His work has been celebrated for its poetic resonance and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, touching on universal themes of migration, cultural identity, and human aspiration.

Among his many accolades, El Makhloufi was awarded the prestigious Cité des Arts award in Paris, France, in 2014, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the global art scene. Today, he continues to reside and work in Leipzig, Germany, where he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and fostering dialogue within the contemporary art community.