This Moroccan Artist Wins First Art Basel Award 2025
Meriem Bennani, born in Rabat and based in New York, has made history. She is the first Moroccan artist ever to receive an Art Basel Award, a groundbreaking new global prize launched by one of the world’s most important art fairs.
The Art Basel Awards were created to celebrate artists, curators, patrons, and cultural leaders who are shaping the future of contemporary art. Out of a global pool of nominees, an international jury selected 36 medalists, recognizing their unique vision, influence, and creativity. Bennani stood out with her signature mix of humor, critique, and pop culture.
A Bold Voice in Digital Art
Meriem Bennani is known for remixing elements from reality TV, animation, documentary, and sci-fi into powerful video installations. Her work reflects on Moroccan identity, postcolonial history, and the absurdity of modern digital life — all with a playful, subversive twist. She calls it a “hyperactivity of genre.”
Whether she’s projecting her videos onto sculptural forms or using cartoon filters to tell deeper truths, Bennani blends satire with sincerity. Her pieces feel both personal and political, playful and profound.
What This Award Means
Bennani’s recognition marks a milestone not just for her, but for Moroccan contemporary art as a whole. As the only Moroccan artist among the winners, she brings visibility to a region often overlooked in global art conversations.
The medalists will be celebrated during Art Basel in Switzerland this June. Later in the year, they will vote among themselves to select 12 Gold Medalists, the highest honor of the award. Gold Medal winners receive $50,000 in flexible support, public commissions, and access to global opportunities. The final results will be announced in Miami Beach in December 2025.
Morocco to the World
At Atay Atelier, we celebrate stories like these, where Moroccan heritage, innovation, and art meet the world stage. Meriem Bennani’s win is a proud moment for Morocco and a reminder of the global impact of North African creativity.
This is not just an award.
This is a message: Moroccan art is here, and it’s shaping the future.