RIDA ELKARTI

 born in 1992 in Marrakech, is a Moroccan painter who draws his inspiration from the cultural and visual riches of his native city. From an early age, he has been fascinated by the art and colorful landscapes that characterize Marrakech, a place where ancient traditions and contemporary influences meet.

Rida ElKarti grew up in an environment where art and culture were omnipresent. The city of Marrakech, with its lively streets, vibrant markets, and unique architecture, nurtured his creativity and aesthetic sensibility. With guidance from several artists, he honed his talent and deepened his artistic practice, experimenting with various techniques ranging from watercolor to oil painting, acrylics, and mixed media.

Rida ElKarti’s work is deeply tied to his city. His paintings reflect the beauty and energy of Marrakech, capturing its light, colors, and textures. Influenced by the traditional architecture of medinas, the geometric patterns of mosques, and the surrounding natural landscapes, he blends elements of the past and present to create unique compositions. His work also explores themes of identity, Moroccan culture, and spirituality.

Since the beginning of his career, Rida ElKarti has participated in several solo and group exhibitions. He has been showcased in prestigious galleries and has drawn the attention of art enthusiasts and critics for his ability to convey emotions through his canvases. His works have been collected by both Moroccan and international art lovers, and he continues to collaborate with cultural institutions to promote contemporary Moroccan art.

The artist views painting as a way to explore and understand his surroundings. For him, each work is an exploration of his roots, a way of telling visual stories that resonate with both the past and the present. Through his creations, Rida ElKarti invites his audience to rediscover the richness of Moroccan culture in a new light, seen through contemporary eyes.

Rida ElKarti’s daily life is intimately connected to his art. Marrakech, with its diverse landscapes, cultural fusion, and unique rhythm, serves as a constant source of inspiration. He often strolls through the souks, gardens, and historic neighborhoods, observing the details around him. These moments of contemplation fuel his creativity and enrich his artistic vision. Moreover, his daily routine includes continuous research, visits to exhibitions, and exchanges with other artists and art enthusiasts, reinforcing his commitment to his craft and to sharing his vision with an ever-growing audience.

In 2021, Rida ElKarti embarked on a new phase of his artistic exploration, focusing on the study of symbols from various cultures and religions while incorporating elements of his own inspiration. This research enabled him to create works that weave connections between different spiritual and aesthetic traditions from around the world. For this series of creations, he chose an original medium: leather. This material, both noble and timeless, adds a unique texture to his works and enhances the depth of his compositions. The use of leather as a canvas symbolizes the union between tradition and innovation, offering a new tactile and visual dimension to his creations.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Rida ElKarti’s work is the fluidity and diversity of his styles, which vary depending on his inspiration in the moment. Each piece reflects a specific emotion or observation, making his art constantly evolve. Sometimes influenced by the natural elements of Marrakech or by the cultural symbols he encounters during his travels, the artist adapts his color palette, shapes, and techniques to honor these moments of inspiration. What unifies his work is his relentless pursuit of authenticity and depth, yet each piece remains unique, shaped by the context and influences present at the time of its creation.