The black and white world of Mustapha Nafi

An artist at heart, Mustapha Nafi takes every opportunity to show his passion for creativity and to share it with the public. In this context, the Mohamed Kacimi gallery in Fès is exhibiting, until 28 February, a collection of the painter's latest canvases dealing with the theme of the contrast between black and white. Organised by the regional directorate of culture of Fès, this exhibition composed of 39 works offers a glimpse of the talent of this artist who loves adventure and does not hesitate to touch upon diversified artistic universes.

Since the beginning of the 90s, Mustapha Nafi has greatly evolved his painting. The "Black/White Contrast" exhibition is proof of the evolution of this visual arts teacher towards an approach that relies on a colour palette where the black/white duo predominates, as well as on the use of emptiness which is handled with studied mastery and precision. The art critic Driss Issa specifies in this sense that "Mustapha Nafi draws his singular pictorial style from the use of white and black, two colours that are distinguished by their sides that are at once imaginative and philosophical, as well as in his use of the technique of emptiness which takes the place of matter in his canvases, giving the space an infinite character". According to him, this approach, which consists of using two colours considered neutral and betting on emptiness, testifies to the courage of this artist who does not hesitate to take risks to create original and unique works.

For his part, Said Affasi, painter and art critic, explains that in order to translate his sensations and artistic visions, Mustapha Nafi uses black, a majestic colour that gives his works more dynamism and vitality. "This contrast of black and white has a philosophical connotation, since it translates a duality and an inner conflict that men live today in all aspects of their daily lives. A contrast that leaves one perplexed and that invites reflection on the real meaning of life and on the purpose of existence. As for the use of emptiness, it translates this ambition to go to the deepest part of the human being, to explore its mysteries, and to share its emotions," he indicates.

Fruits of a singular professional plastic approach, the works of the artist Mustapha Nafi seduce by their homogeneity and by the complementarity of their components and translate the remarkable experience of an artist who considers that meditation, reflection, and seriousness are the keys to success.

Provider / Source : Afaf Razouki, Le Matin