In conjunction with the Contemporary Morocco exhibit (Le Maroc Contemporain) at the Jean Nouvel-designed Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, a giant tent has been constructed on the plaza in front of the building. Designed by Tarik Oualalou and Linna Choi of OUALALOU+CHOI, the tent harmonizes contemporary design and technical innovation with traditional fabrication methods. Constructed from more than 650-square-meters of camel and goat wool woven by female cooperatives in the Saharan desert, the tent serves as an urban landmark and a symbol for the Contemporary Morocco exhibit. The rhythm and scale of the tent’s silhouette renders a topographic dimension to the structure which pays homage to the nomadic traditions of southern Morocco.
Within the tent, the installation features the work of master artisans from all throughout Morocco. The tent also houses a café, a boutique showcasing Moroccan handicrafts, and a performance space which will host various events throughout the duration of the exhibit.
The installation will remain on view through January 25, 2015.
Text and images provided by Tarik Oualalou and Linna Choi.
