"The pictorial language allows me to cross certain borders in a playful and visually attractive way"
Our first resident artist, Louis created the signature print in our inaugural collection. He moves between Marrakesh, Cairo and Paris, translating his dreams through his art. Louis collaborates with artisan craftsmen to preserve ancient cultures – reflective of the way Maktoub balances culture and experimentation.
Where do you draw artistic inspiration from?
The artistic inspirations are diverse and unexpected, it can be an encounter, a sensation while travelling, the technique of a craftsman, a landscape…
What motivates you to create?
Through the artistic medium, I seek to express a thought, a sensation, a feeling of injustice or exaltation towards something that I would not dare to articulate through words. The pictorial language allows me to cross certain borders in a playful and visually attractive way.
Do you have a network of other artists you rely on – and what do you do to support each other?
I have an expansive network of artisans whom I consider to be artists with whom I closely collaborate with on the creation of artworks. Since my university years, I have made many friends who themselves have become artists and I like to follow their evolution without feeling influenced by their artistic approach. In that sense, I am quite solitary and I try to listen to my internal voice.
How do you cultivate your audience?
By sharing visually what moves me throughout my journey.
What were the main reasons why you decided to take this project on?
I am attracted by the artisanal and cultural dimension of the project celebrating a region of the world that I am particularly sensitive to, while combining those aspects with an industrial and commercial approach.
How do you work cross-functionally with the wider Maktoub team?
There was a consistent work upstream with the Maktoub team to define and lay the first structural stones of the project and I was very involved during this stage. I then focused more on the development of graphics inspired by my artworks and artisanal finishes that will enhance the wardrobe that the team develops with the factories.
What was your creative process?
Who have been major influences in your career?
The respective work of Egyptian architect and teacher Ramses Wissa Wassef and Italian artist Alighiero Boetti. I admire the social and human dimension in their resolutely modern artistic approach for their time, yet an approach attentive to people and concerned with the preservation of a precious cultural heritage.
What lasting impression would you like to leave on the art landscape?
A singular voice whatever its echo.
