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Discover Marrakech’s Fierce Female Biker Gangs: Fashion-Forward and Fearless

Barbara Griffin05 mins

Kesh Angels: A Glimpse into Marrakech’s Modernity and Tradition

The Kesh Angels exhibition by Hassan Hajjaj at the Taymour Grahne Gallery presents an innovative fusion of tradition and modernity. Challenging the stereotypical views associated with Muslim women, Hajjaj’s work offers a refreshing perspective. He states, “When Westerners see a women with the veil, a lot of them think, ‘Do they really ride a bike?'” This inquiry into the possibilities for women in traditional attire is both compelling and significant.

And that vibe includes plenty of independent women. Marrakech motorcycle culture welcomes everyone and society does not look down on female riders. 'Journalists often ask, 'What do you think of women being covered up?' Hajjaj says. 'I find that silly. It's traditional clothing. It's not like anyone is holding a staff over them.'
And that vibe includes plenty of independent women. Marrakech motorcycle culture welcomes everyone and society does not look down on female riders. “Journalists often ask, ‘What do you think of women being covered up?’ Hajjaj says. ‘I find that silly. It’s traditional clothing. It’s not like anyone is holding a staff over them.’

This vibrant motorcycle culture showcases various independent women, illustrating that societal perceptions are often misguided. Hajjaj emphasizes, “Journalists call me asking if this is a real gang,” reminding us that the women depicted in his art are not members of a misguided stereotype, but rather everyday individuals contributing to society as painters, writers, dancers, and mothers.

"Journalists call me asking if this is a real gang," Hajjaj says. "That is a misguided word that could scare people." He stresses that the woman in his photographs are painters, writers, dancers and mothers -- everyday people who happen to get around on motorbikes.
“Journalists call me asking if this is a real gang,” Hajjaj says. “That is a misguided word that could scare people.” He stresses that the woman in his photographs are painters, writers, dancers and mothers — everyday people who happen to get around on motorbikes.

Hajjaj’s photographs are framed in a distinctive style, surrounded by inlaid wooden frames filled with culturally relevant items such as cans of Pepsi and matchboxes with Arabic script, imparting a sense of familiarity and kitsch. He proudly states, “I’m a ’60s kid, so I’m celebrating Pop art, but it’s Pop art from the Arab world.”

Hajjaj has surrounded many of the images with inlaid wooden frames, in which he stocks cans of Pepsi, chicken stock, eyeliner, and matchboxes with Arabic script. The products give these foreign images a touch of the familiar, and also add a layer of kitsch. 'I'm a '60s kid, so I'm celebrating Pop art,' he says. 'But it's Pop art from the Arab world.'
Hajjaj has surrounded many of the images with inlaid wooden frames, in which he stocks cans of Pepsi, chicken stock, eyeliner, and matchboxes with Arabic script. The products give these foreign images a touch of the familiar, and also add a layer of kitsch. “I’m a ’60s kid, so I’m celebrating Pop art,” he says. “But it’s Pop art from the Arab world.”

His experience as an immigrant shapes his artistic vision, allowing him to explore the contrasts between the familiar and the foreign. “Living between two places made me a bit of a misfit and gave me a different eye,” Hajjaj explains. The interplay of cultures enriches his work, showcasing unique perspectives that may often go unnoticed.

Hajjaj hopes to showcase Marrakech as it is, replete with its vibrant fashion and confident women. Here, a woman wears a traditional 'djellabah' robe and poses on her Motobecane. 'If you take a person who doesn't travel and who watches TV, they might view Morocco as another Syria or Iraq,' Hajjaj says. 'But it's its own country with its own vibe.'
Hajjaj hopes to showcase Marrakech as it is, replete with its vibrant fashion and confident women. Here, a woman wears a traditional “djellabah” robe and poses on her Motobecane. “If you take a person who doesn’t travel and who watches TV, they might view Morocco as another Syria or Iraq,” Hajjaj says. “But it’s its own country with its own vibe.”


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