Hassan Hajjaj’s ‘Kesh Angels’ Shows at Taymour Grahne Gallery in New York

Currently on view at Taymour Grahne’s New York space is Kesh Angels, a solo exhibition by Moroccan-born, UK-based artist, Hassan Hajjaj. The exhibition marks the artist’s first in New York and presents an innovative take on the vibrant street culture of Morocco – a constant theme running throughout Hajjaj’s oeuvre. On display are a series of photographs, limited edition objects, an installation and a video.

Hajjaj is known for his body of work that plays with stereotypes, questioning them through his street art collages and found object installations. He juxtaposes a variety of different cultural elements bringing about an electrifying tension. In addition, he often portrays portraits of young women wearing veils and djellabah while posing on motorcycles and in other places to challenging preconceived notions of Arab women. While Hajjaj’s subjects are traditionally dressed, their spirit, seen through smiling eyes, youth and a nonchalant attitude, is free.

The exhibition is accompanied by the book By Hassan Hajjaj, a piece on the last decade of Hajjaj’s work, published by Rose Issa Projects, London with support from the Taymour Grahne Gallery, New York. Concurrently, the artist’s three-channel video installation My Rock Stars, Volume I (2012) is on view at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, through 20 July 2014. The work features performances by international musicians wearing clothes designed by Hajjaj and is a recent acquisition by the museum.

Taymour Grahne Gallery is located on 157 Hudson Street, NY NY 10013. Tel: +1 2122409442.