Yassine Balbzioui, was born in Morocco in 1972 and lives and works in Marrakesh. Balbzioui holds a Master of Fine Arts, from the School of Fine Arts in Casablanca, Morocco (1996) and Superior National Diploma ART and MEDIA from the School of Fine Art in Bordeaux, France (2001).
His work plays with conventions and shifts between media. The mask is a recurrent theme that has always fascinated Balbzioui and played a major role in his work. According to him, society is often based on appearances. His works continually lead the viewer to question the notions of sincerity and hypocrisy or truth and lies. It is hard to miss the absence of the human face in Yassine’s work; as the paintings are marked with animals and birds, often referring to bestiary, representing stories or scenes depending on the characteristics of the animals; and their similarities to human habits and characteristics. Balbzioui has taken part in numerous international exhibitions and residencies.
Recent solo shows include the Wild Gardens, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2019); MAD, Iwalewahaus, Bayreuth, Germany (2019); Half Flying, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Berlin (2018); Golden Wall, Gallery Shart, Casablanca, Morocco (2018); Porcellanographie: Future traces, Iwalewahaus, Bayreuth, Germany (2016).
Selected recent group shows include Moroccan Trilogy, Musee Reinia Sofia, Manifesta 13, Marseille, Kubatana, Vesfossen Kunstlaboratorium, Norway (2019); Karachi Biennial, Pakistan (2019); Dak’Art Biennale, Dakar, Senegal (2018); The Matter, Dak’Art OFF, Dakar, Senegal (2018); 40th Moussem of Assilah, Morocco (2018); E-moi, al Maaden Museum of African Contemporary art, Marrakesh, Morocco (2017); Casadrawing 2, Musée de la Fondation a. Slaoui, Casablanca, Morocco (2017), FIAV Festival International de vidéo, Casablanca, Morocco (2017).
His works are held in important public collections such as MACAAL, Marrakesh; Alliances Foundation; Es saadi, Marrakesh; The Museum of Bank al-Maghrib at Rabat; Iwalewahaus Musem (Germany).