Mous Lamrabat is a Moroccan-Belgian visual artist known for his striking and unique visuals. It is by creating works of art that are not only playful but also a critique of society’s idea of consumption that he has reached an international audience. On the topic of nostalgia–a central element in his work–the magazine Winterland shared that ‘Creatives have often tried to recreate this evasive and unpredictable feeling through the gaze of their discipline. Few, though, have done so as successfully as Mous Lamrabat.’
Considered a leading voice in contemporary photography by Metal Magazine, his diasporic identity has helped bridge the gap between the African art scene and the international one. It is especially his collaboration with the messaging platform Whatsapp that allowed him to honour this aspect of his identity and work. Being one of the leading platforms that people use to stay in touch with their loved ones and seen as a cultural symbol to many immigrant families, Mous uses this collaboration to celebrate the love and hardships of distant connections. In ‘Whatsapp with you’, the artist chose to honour Rania, a friend of his whose father lives in Saudi Arabia. Because the geographical distance between Marrakech and Jeddah doesn’t allow them to be present in each other's daily lives, Whatsapp became a daily tool for them to maintain their relationship and stay connected. By portraying Rania with traditional henna and a djellaba with the platform’s logo, Mous Lamrabat highlights the importance of staying connected to not only your loved ones, but to your roots as well.
In a recent article on ARTSY, the author expresses that ‘Since his first solo exhibition in 2019, Lamrabat has cemented his status as a first-rate image maker and storyteller. Drawing inspiration from the pride he observes in his countrymen, his images reconcile and celebrate his mixed heritage, intertwining cultural roots with a broader narrative of identity and belonging.’
Having worked with Vogue, NATAAL, Lush Magazine amongst many others, as well as being covered by platforms such as The New Arab, RFI, DAZED MENA, and Asthetica just to name a few, Mous Lamrabat is an artist whose creativity, sensitivity, and influence continues to inspire and grow.