Abdessamad El Montassir

Abdessamad El Montassir’s practice constructs spaces that draw upon narratives and stories often placed on the fringes, pushing against dominant narratives and discourse, examining their places and the weight they hold in contemporary society. El Montassir is a native of Boujdour in the Sahara in Morocco. His geographical context is a frequent subject for exploration in his practice, serving as a recurring starting point. His artistic practice is highly reflective; he encourages us to reconsider history by examining widespread narratives and also the non-physical forms of archival material, namely the oral tradition, and the way in which we pass on knowledge, stories, and memories verbally. El Montassir aims to drive us to question the way in which history is constructed. His practice is multidisciplinary in nature and concentrates on social engagement, highlighting a breadth of perspectives. His encounters with activists, citizens, historians, and scientists form the basis of his examination of narratives. By not limiting himself to a single narrative or perspective, he encourages the constant asking of new questions. ...

Galerie Cecile Fakhoury opened its doors in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in September 2012. In May 2018, the gallery inaugurated its second space in Dakar, Senegal and a showroom in Paris, France. Shortly after, in March 2020, a new project space dedicated to emerging artists from Africa opened in Abidjan. In October 2021, Galerie Cecile Fakhoury inaugurated another gallery, opening in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on Avenue Matignon. The gallery promotes contemporary art from Africa and the Diaspora by providing visibility to the artistic diversity and creative spirit from the continent. Through its programming of solo and group exhibitions, participation in international art fairs, biennales, and collaboration with international galleries, Cecile Fakhoury is a leading force putting contemporary African art on the global map. The artists represented by the gallery are distinguished by their cultural identities and stories, they create a new language that crosses geographical boundaries and familiarities. They are observers of the world they live in, critics of society, and committed to their positions living within complex histories. In turn, they ask us to reconsider our own relation to the world. ...