b. 1995, El Kelâa Des Sraghna, Morocco
currently lives and works in Venice, Italy
An artist, graduated in Graphic Design and Art Direction at NABA, in Milan, he began to develop his artistic practice. In 2022, El Hajoui won a special award of the Arte Laguna Prize in Venice, which provided him the opportunity to participate in the Fabrica artistic residency. In 2023, as a finalist in the Arte Laguna Prize, he exhibited the Radici project in Venice, at the Arsenale, and later in Milan.In 2024, he took part in the artistic residency at Centrale Fies, and exhibited Ardna’s project ‘Our Land’ (in honour of Palestine) during the Festival, which was first exhibited at Fabrica on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the artistic residency. In 2025, he is selected as a finalist for the Crea Cantieri del Contemporaneo in Venice.
In my artistic practice and research, which is constantly evolving, I use poor and simple materials such as powders and natural pigments. These mediums allow me to make ephemeral works in a limited time, destined to disappear after much devotion. In a way, the work and time committed to these creations, by their very nature fragile and transitory, acquire value. I am very attached to indigenous people around the world, and one of my purposes is to help enhance their cultural customs that are disappearing. For this reason, I felt the need to put forward a very critical issue through my practice. I hope that, through my own contribution, I can help give visibility to the issue and raise awareness despite the media censorship that is taking place.