the foundation

The Fondation Melehi is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing the artistic legacy of Mohamed Melehi (1936–2020), a pioneering figure of modern Moroccan art. Established by his family, the Foundation serves as custodian of his work, his vision, and his cultural impact — in Morocco and internationally.

Its mission is to safeguard Melehi's archives, support scholarly research, and foster dialogue through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. The Foundation protects the integrity of his body of work, encourages partnerships with cultural and academic institutions, and works to transmit his contribution to future generations.

Safeguarding Melehi's archives and supporting scholarly research.

The Melehi Foundation is the custodian of the archives of Mohamed Melehi (1936–2020), a collection that spans more than six decades of artistic production and cultural engagement. The archives bring together photographs, correspondence, sketches, exhibition documentation, publications, posters, and personal papers that trace Melehi's journey from Asilah to Rome, New York, Casablanca, and beyond — documenting not only his own practice but also the broader story of Moroccan modernism, the Casablanca School, and the cultural movements he helped shape.

The Foundation is committed to preserving this legacy according to international archival standards and ensure their protection for future generations. This ongoing work of conservation and documentation forms the basis for research, exhibitions, and publications that continue to deepen the understanding of Melehi's contribution to modern art.

The Foundation welcomes scholars, curators, and institutions seeking access to the archives for research and exhibition purposes. Requests are reviewed to ensure that the materials are consulted and reproduced in conditions that respect their integrity and the artist's legacy.

For inquiries, please contact archives@mohamedmelehi.org

The complete run of Souffles (1966–1971), the journal whose covers Melehi designed, has been digitized by the Bibliothèque nationale du royaume du Maroc.

Protecting the integrity of the artist's body of work.

As the institution entrusted with the legacy of Mohamed Melehi, the Foundation is the sole authoritative body for the examination and authentication of works attributed to the artist. Drawing on the artist's archives, exhibition history, and documented production, the Foundation carries out rigorous research to establish the authenticity and provenance of works submitted for review.

The Foundation is preparing the catalogue raisonné of Mohamed Melehi, which will constitute the definitive reference for the artist's authentic body of work. In this context, the Foundation will open a public call inviting collectors, galleries, and institutions holding works attributed to Melehi to submit them for examination. Works whose authenticity is verified will be included in the catalogue raisonné, ensuring their recognition within the artist's documented oeuvre.

Details of the submission process, including required documentation and conditions of review, will be announced on this page. Owners of works are encouraged to prepare supporting materials such as proof of provenance, purchase records, exhibition history, and photographs of the work, including signatures, inscriptions, and reverse views.