Annex: Meriem Bennani

As part of the exhibition MOḌA. Moroccan Fashion Statements, Centraal Museum presents video stills from Siham & Hafida (2017) and Miu Miu-film, director’s cut (2022) by artist Meriem Bennani in the Annex.

In her video installations, artist Meriem Bennani (1988, Rabat) questoins complex topics such as diasporic identity, intergenerational challenges, and subcultures from the Moroccan internet, all while adding her own sense of humor. Using her camera, Bennani investigates modern cultural differences and weaves in a personal perspective. For example, her mother often appears in her films, including the artist’s cut for the MiuMiu spring/summer 2022 fashion show. Bennani and Miuccia Prada’s team worked together on a special video project where the surreal, virtual, and real come together. This work reflects today's world, where phones and social media filters easily blur the line between 'reality.'

The film Siham and Hafida follows two shikhat dancers from different generations. Shikhat, a traditional Arab/Moroccan dance, is experiencing a major revival. Both Siham and Hafida have their views on the performance and life. Bennani’s film mixes documentary footage with animation and popular digital filters. She uses phones, selfies, and other digital tools to show the generational clash and differing views on feminism.

MOḌA. Moroccan Fashion Statements

From 3 October 2024 until 2 March 2025, MOḌA. Moroccan Fashion Statements will be on show at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht. The exhibition on Moroccanness beyond the fashion world, is as diverse and layered as the creators and their works. The artistic creations and personal stories of cutting-edge designers and artists come together in a dynamic exhibition, curated by DAR Cultural Agency and Centraal Museum.