Join us for an engaging workshop series where we will explore the intricate art of Moroccan geometric ornaments using a compass, divider, and ruler. Together, we’ll draw original designs while asking questions and sharing insights. As we create, we’ll embark on a virtual journey to Morocco with artisan and author Hamza El Fasiki, who will deepen our understanding of the cultural and practical aspects of this beautiful art form.
Hamza will guide us through each step of drawing these stunning ornaments, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Andalusian Oud music.
These live workshops are open to anyone with an interest in geometric arts and a desire to celebrate the rich heritage of Moroccan arts and crafts, particularly from Fes Medina. Join us in this artistic exploration!
**This Month:**
In April 2025, we invite you to explore the intricate art of Moroccan geometry, known as at-Tasțīr, through the lens of the 20th-century El Bacha Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco. This course will feature a unique 24-fold carved Tagbaset (gypsum plaster) pattern and an 8-fold Tazwaqet (wood painting) pattern.
The live course will consist of two sessions, tailored for beginners and intermediate levels. Throughout our journey, we will highlight the distinctive style of the Bacha Palace in Marrakesh and the significance of geometric decorations within palaces, all while enriching the experience with traditional Moroccan music and drawing using the artisanal Qasma and Hasba methods.
**Required Tools:**
- Professional Drawing Compass with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil
- Divider (essential for precision)
- 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil for line drawing
- Metal Rulers (30 cm & 50 cm)
- A3 Sheets of Drawing Paper
- Eraser
**About the Instructor:**
Hamza El Fasiki has dedicated ten years to apprenticing under his father at Dar-Attamania Studio in Fes, Morocco. He holds a Master's degree in Moroccan Cultural Studies, with a focus on the cultural history of traditional crafts from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes. Hamza specializes in traditional Moroccan geometric patterns, brass engraving, and leather bookbinding, and is also an accomplished Andalusian Oud player. His recent publication includes a book chapter titled "Sacred Space: Geometric Patterns in Moroccan Art," featured in the anthology *Perspective: Selected Essays on Space in Art and Design*, edited by Sarina Millet and published by Vernon Press in 2023.
