Couturier, who spoke during a conference held as part of the second edition of the first Moroccan plastic arts movement, Traitillism, highlighted its surprising appeal. This event gathered artists, critics, and art enthusiasts for an engaging exploration of a new artistic current born in the heart of Morocco. Couturier emphasized that this emerging movement represents much more than a simple stylistic shift.

During his presentation, the seasoned expert on Moroccan art passionately recounted the origins of Traitillism, an artistic current founded by Moroccan artist Afif Bennani. According to him, the genesis of this movement lies in the desire to create an artistic expression distinct from contemporary trends of "random daubing."

Couturier noted that Bennani embarked on an innovative graphic exploration, experimenting extensively before mastering what they termed "Khattiyya" in Arabic, or "Traitillism" (from French 'Traitillisme').

He further explained that the early works involved a trial-and-error process. Eventually, these attempts marked a decisive turning point, demonstrating a complete mastery of the line technique. This artistic evolution, he said, reflects the patience and determination required to develop a new style.

In a statement to MAP, Couturier highlighted the delicate dynamics of artistic integration, acknowledging that established artists may hesitate to join a new movement for fear of losing their personal artistic identity.

Nevertheless, he expressed deep optimism about Traitillism's future, describing it as a simple and intuitive movement, with a definition as clear as the lines it employs.

The art critic also shared his belief that the persistence of artists adopting this style, combined with their efforts to promote it, will not only solidify its status as a genuinely Moroccan movement but also earn it international recognition, transforming what began as a graphic exploration into a true artistic phenomenon.

In a similar statement, Afif Bennani, president of the National Order of Painters and Photographers, revealed the profound philosophy behind Traitillism, a movement deliberately rooted in Moroccan heritage.

By defining this movement as a linear current, Bennani clearly demonstrated his intent to celebrate and preserve Morocco's cultural identity through art.

His methodical approach was evident during his visit to Fez, where he encouraged artists to immortalize emblematic heritage elements such as Bab Boujloud, Bab Mahrouk, and the Great Ascent (Talaa Lekbira).

To ensure the dissemination and recognition of Traitillism, Bennani has orchestrated an ambitious national tour, with planned exhibitions in strategic cities such as Essaouira, Tetouan, Tangier, Marrakech, Dakhla, and Casablanca. Each stop on this artistic journey will offer an opportunity to meet local artists, share the vision of Traitillism, and invite them to join this movement, which aspires to become an authentically Moroccan artistic expression.

This event, organized from November 26 to December 8 by the National Order of Painters and Photographers, is held in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education-Training and the Alumni Association of Moulay Idriss High School.