Muhcine Ennou's poetic and moving images, captivate with a multidisciplinary approach that weaves through various mediums from photography to CGI and film. His journey as a self-taught Moroccan artist currently based in Amsterdam is a testament to an insatiable curiosity that pushes him to explore the convergence of analog and digital techniques, developing a unique practice that challenges viewers to question their perception of the familiar.
We caught up with the artist following the release of a film about his process on Zora, and just before the release of his work Bliss with Refraction.
As a self-taught artist exploring blockchain, Ennou shares valuable advice for emerging artists, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, fearlessness, and remaining receptive to the myriad opportunities that blockchain technology presents and how—beyond being a technological innovation—blockchain becomes a doorway to a thriving community.
Let's start with the piece we’re releasing, how does Bliss fit into the evolution of your artistic style or body of work? Are there aspects of this piece that mark a departure or progression in your creative journey?
The artwork, titled 'Bliss,' was originally commissioned for the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam. Initially, the piece had a different concept and subject matter. However, in the final week before its delivery, I sensed that something essential was missing. This inspired me to dive deep into the project, and what usually takes weeks, I accomplished in a single day. It made me contemplate the enchanting nature of the creative flow state, which became the central theme of the work.
'Bliss is moving digital landscapes, immersing you in his lifelike dreamworld. The work is inspired by the flow state during the creative process. What would it be like if this moment that often is so short would have no end?
In your recent Zora film, you speak of that flow state, do you have any rituals, or requirements that you need around for you to get into that flowstate?
Entering a state of creative flow for me involves a daily ritual that's become indispensable. Each day, I start with a peaceful long walk, during which I enjoy capturing seemingly ordinary moments through photography, followed by a solo coffee session. This routine serves as my catalyst for tapping into that elusive flow state.
Transitioning from traditional photography to CGI was a significant shift. How has this impacted your creative approach, and are there elements from your photography background that still influence your CGI work? Has your CGI work also influenced your photography?
In many ways, working with CGI is akin to real-world photography. Both revolve around the intricate dance of light with surfaces and materials. In CGI, we meticulously simulate the physics of the real world, encompassing camera lighting and how it interacts with our digital environments. As I delved deeper into this understanding, the parallels between the two worlds became strikingly apparent.
My CGI work now carries the aesthetics of my photography, bridging the digital and the tangible. Simultaneously, my photographic perspective has evolved. I've developed a newfound appreciation for the real world, honing my eye for subtle details that previously eluded me.
How has your artistic perspective evolved through the shift from Marrakech to the Netherlands, especially considering your deep connection with the weather and environment in Morocco?
The Shift from Marrakech to the Netherlands was driven by a necessity to express myself in new ways. The Dutch weather compelled me to create my own Sun in CGI. It's a thought-provoking contrast to consider whether this shift would have occurred if I remained living in Marrakech.
Participating in the Some of Us festival and collaborating with fellow Moroccans is a unique initiative. How did this experience influence your perspectives, and do you see blockchain playing a role in sustaining such collaborations among global Moroccan artists?
The Some of Us festival was a pivotal moment for our generation, fostering connections and igniting a new chapter of collaboration on blockchain technology that has opened up exciting possibilities and innovative avenues for artists to work and grow together.
As a self-taught artist exploring blockchain, what advice would you offer to emerging artists interested in integrating blockchain technology, considering the self-directed nature of your artistic journey?
In the realm of blockchain, It’s all about nurturing your curiosity, fearlessly exploring new horizons, and remaining receptive to the multitude of opportunities that this technology can unveil. Beyond being a technological innovation, blockchain provides a doorway to a thriving community and a deep sense of belonging within the art sphere.
Explore more of Muhcine Ennou's work on his website, or follow him on X (Twitter) or Instagram.
Collect Bliss on Zora for free here.
This March, together with LUKSO, we had an incredible evening at Austin’s favorite natural wine watering hole LoLo, exploring themes of identity, ownership, and the New Creative Economies through immersive art by Cibelle Cavalli Bastos and Tabitha Swanson.
