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.
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Echoes of Identity
Poetic Heritage from North Africa 1 - 27 Aug 2024Nil Gallery is delighted to present "Echoes of Identity: Poetic Heritage from North Africa," a group exhibition that explores the intricate dimensions of identity, culture, and social narratives through the works of Nabil El Makhloufi, Sara Benabdallah, and Slimen Elkamel.Read more -
FLY ME TO THE MOON
An exhibition by Nil Gallery 20 Feb - 20 Mar 2021Nil Gallery Celebrates the Moon. Source of inspiration for many writings, works and creations,'Fly me to the Moon' invites you to a great astral odyssey, illuminated by the graphic contributions...Read more
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Abu Dhabi Art Fair
Abu Dhabi, UAE 20 - 24 Nov 2024Nil Gallery’s booth at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2024 delves into the intertwined themes of memory, myth, and identity, presenting works by Gommaar Gilliams,...Read more -
1-54 London 2024
London, UK 10 - 13 Oct 2024On the occasion of the 2024 edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, Nil Gallery presents a curated exhibition featuring works by five...Read more -
Enter Art Fair
Copenhagen | Denmark 29 Aug - 1 Sep 2024Nil Gallery is pleased to present a dynamic collective exhibition at Booth 48 during Enter Art Fair 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark, from August 29 to September 1. Featuring six contemporary artists—Sara Benabdallah, Nabil El Makhloufi, Kpe Innocent, Simon Buret, Alexandre Furcolin, and Gommaar Gilliams—this exhibition unites diverse perspectives that explore identity, memory, and the human experience.Read more -
1-54 New York 2024
New York City I USA 1 - 4 May 2024For this edition of 1-54 New York from May 1st to May 4th, Nil Gallery invites us to dive into a visual journey that celebrates...Read more
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Expo Chicago
Chicago | USA 11 - 14 Apr 2024Nil Gallery invites us to a journey of introspection and wonder through Nabil El Makhloufi’s solo show at Expo Chicago, from April 11 to 14, 2024. The perfect opportunity to delve into the mesmerizing world of the Moroccan artist, whose creations transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering a fresh and universal perspective on the complexities of cultural in-betweenness.Read more -
1-54 London
LONDON | UNITED KINGDOM 14 - 17 Oct 2021 -
Seattle Art Fair
SEATTLE | UNITED STATES 2 - 5 Aug 2018