Pascal Robert Gallery takes pride in unveiling its forth exhibition within the vibrant heart of Zurich’s Gallery District, an event that transcends mere institutional presentation to serve as a daring foray into the deep, contemporary artistic exploration.

We are delighted to present a compelling exhibition showcasing the visual works of Tahar Ben Jelloun, born in Fès, Morocco in 1944, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers and intellectual voices of North Africa, and a distinguished Nobel Prize nominee in Literature. Ben Jelloun’s life spans continents, residing between Paris, Tangier and Marrakech, and he has received numerous honors – including Commandeur de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur de l’ordre National du Mérite of France. The asteroid (29449) Taharbenjelloun was named in his honor, symbolizing his profound impact on global culture. While celebrated for his extraordinary literary contributions – addressing themes of migration, societal change, and cultural identity – Ben Jelloun’s visual art offers a vibrant extension of his artistic expression.

Exhibited at Pascal Robert Gallery under the title «Villes et lumières du monde» (Cities and Light of the World), his paintings serve as a poetic evocative dialogue that explores the magic of urbanity and the transformative power of light on cityscapes. These works depict bustling metropolises and architectural signatures, emphasizing their unique identities while highlighting light and color as universal symbols of hope, resilience, and human connection, Ben Jelloun’s canvases transcend mere aesthetics – they serve as contemplative meditations on how cities shape our identities, perceptions, and aspirations. His mastery of color and light fosters a dialogue between intimacy and grandeur, connecting personal encounters with collective urban energy and his art portrays cities as living – luminous entities deeply intertwined with the human spirit – multifaceted reflections of our shared pursuit of meaning and community. In 2024 the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Art in Rabat hosted a solo exhibition titled «Tahar Ben Jelloun: From Writing to Painting» – showcasing the breadth of his creative universe across mediums.

As a Nobel laureate contender, Ben Jelloun’s literary work continues to illuminate complex issues of migration, societal transformation, and cultural identity, inspiring dialogue on a global scale. His visual works persist in this pursuit, inviting viewers to explore the interconnectedness of the human condition across diverse cultural landscapes. His major books «L’Enfant de sable», «La Nuit sacrée», «Le Racisme expliqué à ma fille», have been translated into several languages, securing his reputation as an advocate for justice, dignity, and societal change. Two of his books have been adapted into films: «The Absent’s Prayer», adapted into a comedy drama by Hamid Benani in in 2001, and «Sacred Night», adapted into a drama by Nicolas Klotz in 1993.

Join us in experiencing this extraordinary convergence of artistry, storytelling, and cultural reflection – an homage to the enduring power of illumination, life, and human connection in all its manifestations.

I have been painting forever. I drew before I learned to read and write. I have always been fascinated by the colors of nature and by the passage of light that leaves behind fragrant gardens, amazed meadows, and open spaces to capture. I write so I no longer have a face. I write so that poetry, stories, or novels can exist on their own outside of my image. Therefore, I have written a lot and I forget. In front of a blank canvas, I am as helpless as in front of a blank sheet of paper. I don’t know what I will do. I let my instinct and emotions run free. I don’t paint reality, but its appearance, its inner beauty, its lively, joyful rhythm. I write about the pain of that same reality. Without illusion. With hope. Light is celebrated because it is often missing from the lives of those who need it. My painting has no pretension. It is there and shows itself without demanding anything in return. On some canvases, I write short poems. Writing is part of the canvas.

I am lucky to work with infinite joy, and that helps me live, keeps my imagination, desires, dreams, and creative passion awake.