Aissa Joud

From a village near Ouarzazate to international exhibitions, Aissa Joud’s journey blends heritage and reinvention. His imaginary portraits invite contemplation. Here, he discusses spontaneity, self teaching, and creating a cultural hub beyond major cities.

How did your childhood near Ouarzazate shape your artistic vision?

I was born in 1992 in a small village near Ouarzazate. This simple yet visually rich environment was my creative cradle. I began practicing drawing and stone carving at a very young age, influenced by the natural landscapes and the traditional soul of the region. This upbringing deeply instilled a sense of spontaneity in my artistic expression.

Your mother was a seamstress and your father an artist. What influence did they have on your development as an artist?

I grew up in a profoundly artistic family; my father is a talented traditional artist in drawing and sculpture, and my mother is a seamstress with a refined aesthetic sense. This combination gave me an early awareness of shapes, colors, and intricate details, making art a natural and inseparable part of my daily life since childhood.

You describe yourself as self-taught despite attending art school. What is it that you don't learn at school and that you had to discover on your own?

I consider myself a self-taught artist because the essence of my art did not originate in a classroom. I learned initial techniques in my father’s workshop, then studied traditional crafts: the only art-related fields available in my historic region. Later, I specialized in Classical Arabic Calligraphy at the Academy of Traditional Arts. However, I made a conscious decision to build my artistic career from scratch, developing a free style that is entirely independent of my academic studies. What I discovered on my own was how to forge a unique identity and a creative spirit that refuses to be confined by rigid academic rules.

Your portraits are described as "imaginary portraits inspired by reality." How do you choose the characters who will inhabit your work?

My characters stem from observing reality, but they are filtered through the lens of imagination. I choose facial expressions that provoke contemplation and analysis. I want every character to be a gateway to infinite stories and multiple interpretations that resonate personally with the viewer.

Selling your first works to tourists was a defining moment. What do you remember from that period?

That period was a vital validation that my art could communicate with people from entirely different cultures. I vividly remember the joy of having my work appreciated by strangers; it gave me the confidence at the age of 20 to devote my life entirely to this passion.

Can you tell us about the Taman'Art Space project? Why was it important for you to create a residence space for other artists?

Taman’Art Space is a dream to transform our region into a creative hub. Despite the challenges we face, we are currently preparing to organize a series of artistic residencies and exhibitions. It was essential for me to create this space as a platform for cultural exchange and to support young artists, proving that creativity can flourish even far from major urban centers.

 Which artists or movements have influenced you, and why?

I found my true calling in contemporary art because it offers a space for absolute freedom. I am influenced by everything spontaneous and positive in reality, and I am drawn to movements that rely on the power of line and color to convey deep human messages.

Do you have any future projects you would like to share with us?

On a personal level, I look forward to expanding my international presence, having previously exhibited in countries such as France, Belgium, Italy, and Senegal. Professionally, my focus is on developing Taman’Art Space and organizing high-quality artistic events that contribute to the radiance of contemporary Moroccan art, despite the obstacles.

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To learn and see more of Aissa Joud's work: website + Instagram.