French artist Jacques Gautrat opens contemporary abstract art exhibition in Rabat

Saturday 18 July 2026 - 16:30

By: Sahili Aya

French artist Jacques Gautrat opens contemporary abstract art exhibition in Rabat

The opening of a new exhibition by French painter Jacques Gautrat took place at Bab Rouah Gallery, bringing together art critics, cultural figures and media representatives for the launch of a showcase dedicated to contemporary abstract art.

Running from July 17 to 31, the exhibition features 11 acrylic paintings on canvas, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Gautrat’s distinctive artistic language through a series of works inspired by abstraction and emotion.

Cultural initiative promotes artistic dialogue

The exhibition has been organized by the Ribat Al Fath Association for Sustainable Development as part of its Florilège Culturel program, an initiative aimed at encouraging cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the association’s president, Abdelkrim Bennani, described the exhibition as a platform for strengthening cultural ties between Morocco and France.

He noted that the collection, transported from Bordeaux, reflects a distinctive artistic approach that creates dialogue between visual expression, written language and creative imagination.

Artist explores emotion through abstraction

For Jacques Gautrat, abstract art represents a form of expression that moves beyond conventional shapes, colors and gestures to evoke emotions through alternative visual experiences.

He explained that contemporary art is distinguished by its diversity of media and its emphasis on concepts and ideas, allowing artists to communicate through interpretation rather than direct representation.

According to Gautrat, each canvas is conceived as "a piece of space organized by dreams," combining subtle compositions with vibrant colors to create emotionally driven works.

A journey from classical inspiration to lyrical abstraction

Before embracing abstract painting, Gautrat drew inspiration from the works of Caravaggio and the masters of the Dutch Golden Age.

Over time, however, he found his artistic identity in lyrical abstraction, a movement that emphasizes spontaneity, color and emotional expression.

His paintings seek to translate feelings rather than depict recognizable subjects, reflecting his belief that art is fundamentally an interpretation of emotion.

Strengthening cultural links through art

The exhibition highlights the continued role of artistic collaboration in fostering cultural relations between Morocco and France.

By welcoming international artists and presenting contemporary works to Moroccan audiences, Rabat continues to reinforce its position as a leading destination for cultural dialogue and creative exchange.

The exhibition remains open to visitors until July 31, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to discover Gautrat's colorful and expressive vision of contemporary abstraction.