The art of Mohammed Qermad: a visual bridge between Morocco and Greece at the Atlas Forum
On the second day of the ‘Atlas’ International Mediterranean Forum, held from 1 to 3 December in the municipality of Iraklion, Athens, a remarkable exhibition of contemporary art by renowned Moroccan artist Mohammed Qermad was inaugurated.
The exhibition presented a series of works that combine the richness of traditional Arabic art with the elegance of Moroccan calligraphy, consolidating the role of art as a bridge for cultural dialogue between the peoples of both shores of the Mediterranean.
A fusion of visual creativity and cultural identity
The exhibition included numerous pieces that reflect Qermad's unique aesthetic, characterised by his bold use of colour and the integration of contemporary symbols with elements of Moroccan and Arab heritage. Moroccan calligraphy, present in many of his works, gives each painting a cultural depth and unmistakable visual identity, generating a dialogue between tradition and modernity that was widely appreciated by attendees.
Signing ceremony for the Peace Mural
As part of the inauguration, an artistic mural entitled ‘Greece and Morocco: two civilisations that contribute every day to the world's footprint’ was presented, a work that conveys a message of peace and coexistence. The ceremony included the signing of the mural by official representatives, including His Majesty King Mohammed VI's ambassador to Greece, Mohammed Sbihi, the mayor of Heraklion and the dean of ambassadors from French-speaking countries in Greece, as well as experts and participants in the Forum.
This symbolic gesture reflected the spirit of the meeting and underlined the power of art to strengthen ties between peoples and revalue shared symbols of understanding and cooperation.
Attendance by diplomats and international experts
The inauguration was attended by a large number of ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from Mediterranean and French-speaking countries, as well as mayors, researchers and specialists from Morocco, Greece, France and other countries. Their presence highlighted the relevance of Mohammed Qermad's artistic career and reaffirmed the cultural nature of the Forum as a platform for Mediterranean dialogue.
Mohammed Qermad: a Moroccan artist with international renown
Mohammed Qermad is recognised as an emblematic figure in contemporary Moroccan art, with a career spanning more than three decades and participation in international exhibitions in Europe and the Arab world.
His works stand out for reinterpreting Moroccan identity from a global perspective, using calligraphy as a vehicle to combine tradition and innovation, thus contributing to strengthening the presence of Moroccan art on the international scene.
The ‘Atlas’ Forum: a space for dialogue and cooperation
The exhibition is part of the programme of the ‘Atlas’ International Mediterranean Forum, organised under the patronage of the Moroccan Embassy in Greece, in collaboration with the municipality of Heraklion and the group of French-speaking ambassadors in Greece.
The first day of the Forum included opening sessions and conferences focusing on cultural cohesion, recent changes in the Mediterranean region, shared memory, cultural diplomacy and the role of local competences in strengthening regional cooperation.
The Forum concluded with the issuance of the ‘Athens Declaration for Mediterranean Convergence,’ which includes recommendations and outcomes aimed at promoting a common vision of the Mediterranean as a space for interaction, dialogue, and cooperation among its peoples.
The Moroccan ambassador to Greece emphasised that the aim of the Forum is to consolidate a space for dialogue and collaboration to address the cultural, social and geopolitical challenges affecting the Mediterranean basin.
