This project is a series of photographs that I had the privilege of taking of the renowned artist Eric van Hove's exhibition held in London. Eric van Hove, a Belgian artist born in Algeria and raised in Cameroon, challenges the impact of mass production on traditional craftsmanship through his innovative artwork. Collaborating with Moroccan craftsmen, he utilises local materials and techniques to create sculptures that seamlessly blended engineering, design, craft, and art.
In 2012, Eric van Hove founded the Fenduq, a workshop in Marrakech, with the intention of addressing the absence of locally made components in Moroccan-made supercars. This initiative aimed to bring North African craft into a cooperative workspace and foster local expertise. Over time, the Fenduq evolved into a sculptural NGO, combining the artistic environment of a white cube with the raw inspiration of a medina workshop.
One of Van Hove's ongoing projects is the development of an electric moped called Mahjouba. For the past seven years, he and his team have been diligently working on connecting local craftsmen to the electric engine revolution. The latest iteration, Mahjouba IV, is a handmade prototype that incorporates 3D elements and industrial components. It serves as a testament to Van Hove's mission to address global issues such as the disappearance of traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and labor ethics at a local level.
Eric van Hove's extraordinary creations have found their way into prestigious collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Currently, his exhibition and workshop are hosted by Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, with an upcoming show at the Van Eyck Academie in Maastricht. Notably, the proceeds from the exhibition contribute 10% to MAMMA, a charity handpicked by Van Hove, which focuses on preserving Morocco's modernist and post-independence architectural heritage.
Moreover, these photographs of Eric van Hove's exhibition in London were featured in Wallpaper magazine. You can read the article here: https://www.wallpaper.com/art/exhibitions-shows/eric-van-hove-exhibition-connolly-london.
Eric van Hove and the Mahjouba IV
