Yasmine BERRADA : Meet The Gallerist Powering the Global South’s Artsphere
As the co-founder of Loft Art Gallery, Yasmine BERRADA has been instrumental in redefining Moroccan art’s global presence. Launching the gallery at just 24 alongside her sister, she carved out a space where heritage and contemporary expression converge. Over the past 16 years, she has bridged modernist legacies with emerging voices, shaping a dynamic exchange between Morocco and the international art scene.
In this conversation, Yasmine BERRADA reflects on Loft Art Gallery’s evolution—from championing Moroccan modernists to expanding into Marrakech and making a landmark debut at Art Basel Paris. She discusses navigating a historically male-dominated space, the shifting landscape of African contemporary art, and her mission to amplify underrepresented voices while strengthening dialogue between the Global South and the international art world.
Yasmine BERRADA, Credit : Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery
Maria YIGOUTI : What inspired you and your sister to create the Loft Art Gallery at the outset of your journey? Were there any unexpected challenges or formative experiences in the early days that helped shape the gallery’s identity, and how has its mission and vision evolved since then?
Yasmine BERRADA : I started Loft Art Gallery when I was just 24 with my sister. Coming from a background in finance, it was quite a recalibration. I like to say the world of art found me rather than the other way around. From early on, I had a deep passion for art, and when I found myself in this new environment, I didn’t know what to expect—but I quickly learned how to navigate it. One of the biggest challenges was finding my place as a young Moroccan woman and gaining credibility in the field. In some ways, I’m grateful to those who were a bit obstructive—they pushed us to improve, question ourselves, and constantly strive to do better.
From the start, we wanted to tell our story through our artists. We began with Moroccan modernists, as the country’s art history is still relatively nascent. Working with artists from the 1960s—many of whom were still alive at the time—was an incredible experience, and I learned so much from them. The modernists and the Casablanca School were our starting point, but of course, things have evolved since then.
Maria YIGOUTI : Loft Art Gallery represents a diverse group of artists, from the iconic Mohamed Melehi, a pioneer of the Casablanca Art School, to contemporary voices like Mous Lamrabat and Amina Agueznay. What stands out to you about these artists and their work? How do you approach selecting and fostering relationships with such diverse talents?
Yasmine BERRADA : In this job, I’ve always followed my intuition. The art world is deeply emotional—you have to put your heart fully into it. A gallerist’s role goes beyond showcasing artworks; it’s about elevating the artists themselves and emphasizing their distinct character. When I first met Mohamed Melehi, I was immediately drawn to his work, but above all, to his spirit as an artist—that connection became the foundation of our collaboration. We also worked with other pioneers of the same era, such as Farid Belkahia, driven by a desire to understand their history, the legacy of the Casablanca School, and how their work became a cornerstone of Morocco’s artistic landscape. Their contributions not only shaped Moroccan modernism but also laid the groundwork for future generations, infusing the contemporary art scene with an energy that still draws from their influence.
Today, our roster includes contemporary artists with distinct and unconventional approaches. Mous Lamrabat, for instance, is a young photographer whose work blends pop culture with striking visual narratives, offering a fresh perspective on identity and cultural hybridity.
Maria YIGOUTI : With the opening of Loft’s new space in Marrakech, how do you see this expansion contributing to the city’s cultural vibrancy and its growing recognition on the global art stage?
Yasmine BERRADA : The opening of our Marrakech space felt like a natural evolution. We had been searching for the right location for several years, and when we found it, everything fell into place. We’re thrilled to have settled in Gueliz, in a distinctive three-story building from the 1930s—its unique architecture grounds us in the fabric of this historic neighborhood. This expansion also responds to a need we’ve felt for some time. Through our participation in international art fairs, the gallery has grown increasingly global, attracting a diverse audience that often travels to Marrakech, now a true world city.
Our presence here allows us to connect with collectors and art enthusiasts we engage with throughout the year in cities like London, Paris, and New York. It reinforces our identity as a Moroccan gallery—deeply rooted in Morocco, yet with an expansive international reach.
Amina Agueznay, Fieldworks Volet 3, Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery
Maria YIGOUTI : What makes Marrakech’s art scene unique, and how do Loft’s artists reflect this increasing international appreciation for Moroccan creativity?
Yasmine BERRADA : The Marrakech art scene is truly unique, drawing an increasing number of contemporary artists who find inspiration in its atmosphere. Artists have long been captivated by Marrakech—its light, its energy—but this creative pull is stronger than ever. We’re seeing a surge in new artist studios, along with a growing number of institutions, both private and public, including museums. A dynamic ecosystem is taking shape, expanding year after year—a promising sign for the future.
Maria YIGOUTI : How do you see Loft Art Gallery as a catalyst for cultural exchange, particularly in light of the growing global interest in African art? What drives your commitment to advocating for underrepresented artists on the international stage, and how do you work to bridge this visibility gap?
Yasmine BERRADA : At Loft Art Gallery, our mission is to champion Moroccan and African art on a global scale. We do this through our presence at leading international fairs—in London, Paris, Miami, New York, Dubai, and beyond—but also through our collaborations with institutions, our publishing efforts, curatorial projects, and the narratives we bring to life. Above all, Loft Art Gallery is a human adventure. We tell authentic, deeply resonant stories that connect with people across cultures. Our work fosters dialogue, builds bridges, and creates shared spaces of understanding—something that feels more essential than ever in today’s world.
A core part of our role is discovering and nurturing talent, often taking risks to introduce artists or bring them to the international stage for the first time. That is the backbone of a gallery’s work: to stand by artists from the very start, to take bold bets, and to support them as they grow and evolve.
Maria YIGOUTI : Additionally, how have you observed the impact of this exchange, and what do you believe are the key factors driving the renewed global attention to African, and more specifically, Moroccan contemporary art?
Yasmine BERRADA : When we started 16 years ago, the Moroccan art market was largely local—collectors primarily acquired Moroccan art, and galleries focused on showcasing local artists. Over time, however, the landscape has transformed significantly. Today, the market is far more open, with galleries exhibiting artists from across the continent and its diaspora, alongside international names. Moroccan collectors, too, have broadened their scope, increasingly investing in artists beyond national borders. This evolution reflects a growing openness and the Moroccan market’s deeper integration into the global art scene—an essential step in its continued development.
As the market matures, it has become more receptive to emerging artists, enabling us to introduce fresh talent with greater confidence. Collectors and institutions are eager to discover new names and are more willing to invest in artists they are encountering for the first time. This shift is also rooted in the long-term trust built between collectors and galleries. Today, collectors are not just acquiring artwork—they are investing in the vision and curation of the gallery itself.
The Marrakech art scene is truly unique, drawing an increasing number of contemporary artists who find inspiration in its atmosphere. Artists have long been captivated by Marrakech—its light, its energy—but this creative pull is stronger than ever.
Yasmine BERRADA, Loft Art Gallery
Maria YIGOUTI : Loft Art Gallery made history as the first Moroccan gallery to participate in Art Basel Paris with Mohamed Melehi’s solo exhibition. This landmark, along with the gallery’s presence at prestigious events like Untitled Miami Beach during Basel Miami, has amplified the visibility of Moroccan art on the global stage. How do you see these achievements shaping the gallery’s journey and the future of Moroccan art internationally?
Yasmine BERRADA : Participating in Art Basel is a defining moment in the life of any gallery—a true milestone. This year, we had the honor of taking part in Art Basel Paris as the first Moroccan gallery, a moment of immense pride both personally and for Morocco’s presence on the global stage. It was a key objective for us, as we constantly strive for excellence and work to elevate Moroccan art to the highest international levels. I hope this is just the beginning of an even greater journey.
Mous LAMRABAT, Powerpuff, 2024
Maria YIGOUTI : As a pioneering woman in the North African cultural landscape, how has your leadership at Loft Art Gallery challenged traditional structures and reshaped the global narrative around North African artists? What obstacles have you faced in a historically male-dominated art world, and how have you leveraged your position to amplify marginalized voices, champion overlooked narratives, and inspire future generations of women in the arts?
Yasmine BERRADA : Entering the art market at just 24 as a Moroccan woman was a true challenge. My sister and I stepped into this world with a certain naivety, only to be met with significant resistance—not just because of our age, but also because we were women. It was an eye-opening experience, and each hurdle I overcame felt like a mini-victory. I dedicate those victories to my detractors, to the hard work that brought me here, but also to all the women who fight daily to claim their place in male-dominated spaces. For me, the greatest reward is setting an example for my daughter—showing her that persistence and resilience can break barriers. Sixteen years ago, the landscape was far more challenging, but today, things are shifting. Perhaps, in some way, we have managed to open a few doors. And that, to me, is the greatest satisfaction—knowing that the path is widening for those who come next.
“Entering the art market at just 24 as a Moroccan woman was a true challenge. My sister and I stepped into this world with a certain naivety, only to be met with significant resistance”
Maria YIGOUTI : Looking ahead, what are some of the most exciting upcoming exhibitions or projects for Loft Art Gallery, and how do these align with your long-term vision for Moroccan art and its place in the international art conversation?
Yasmine BERRADA : We have many exhibitions ahead, each bringing fresh excitement and new challenges. What drives me most is introducing new artists—a magical yet complex process of shaping the right narrative, presentation, and focal points. I spend a great deal of time refining these aspects with my team, as it’s one of the most stimulating parts of our work. Presenting an artist for the first time is always a leap into the unknown, but when it resonates, it’s a true victory. I want to continue showcasing artists across generations, mediums, and perspectives—while staying true to the gallery’s DNA. Our work with Moroccan artists, many of whom draw from heritage and tradition, has deepened my own connection to this cultural legacy. Preserving and celebrating it feels more vital than ever. I find great fulfillment in collaborating with artists who reimagine tradition through a contemporary lens, reshaping it with the perspective of their time.
Ultimately, as a Moroccan gallery with an international presence, it is essential for us to amplify voices from the Global South—voices that, through their language and narratives, have so much to contribute. Art creates dialogue, builds bridges, and fosters deeper cultural understanding. And that, at its core, is what we are here to do.
