Amine El Gotaibi brings together two very different materials to create sculptures that feel connected to the natural world. In his exhibition Wind From the North, the Moroccan artist uses aged metal panels and soft wool fibers to form large compositions inspired by mountains, deserts, and the landscapes of North Africa.

The contrast between rough surfaces and flowing textures gives each work a distinctive appearance, inviting visitors to look closely at how ordinary materials can become expressive works of art.

Combining Metal and Wool

A defining feature of the exhibition is the relationship between its two main materials. El Gotaibi works with copper and Corten steel, a type of weather-resistant steel that develops a distinctive surface as it ages. Exposure to the elements creates oxidized colors and textures, giving the metal a weathered appearance that becomes part of the artwork.

Against these firm backgrounds, the artist attaches wool fibers in shades of beige and rust. Some sections are arranged into compact, tightly knotted forms, while others hang loosely and extend across the metal. The different treatments create an interesting balance between controlled shapes and softer, less structured details.

The materials also offer contrasting visual qualities. Metal provides a solid foundation, while wool introduces movement and softness. Together, they create compositions that can resemble natural formations without directly copying a particular landscape.

Landscapes Inspired by North Africa

The natural environment of Morocco and the wider North African region plays an important role in the exhibition. El Gotaibi draws inspiration from the shapes of mountains, desert areas, and rural surroundings. The wool fibers often appear to follow uneven surfaces, creating the impression of hills, ridges, and changing ground levels.

This approach is especially clear in works such as Mountain and Desert (2026). Made from Corten steel and wool, the sculpture measures 244 by 394 centimeters, giving it a substantial presence. Its large surface allows the artist to arrange the fibers across the metal in a way that suggests the meeting of different natural environments.

Another work, Desert Wind (2026), measures 200 by 130 centimeters and also combines Corten steel with wool. Its arrangement of fibers gives the composition a sense of movement, while the aged metal provides a textured background. Instead of relying on detailed images of specific places, El Gotaibi uses material and form to communicate his connection to the landscapes that inspire him.

The Cultural Importance of Wool

Wool is more than a decorative choice in El Gotaibi's sculptures. The material has a meaningful connection to traditional craft practices in the highland areas of North Africa, where textile production has a long history. By incorporating wool into large contemporary artworks, the artist brings attention to a material that is closely associated with regional knowledge and handmade production.

Its presence also gives the sculptures a tactile quality that differs from the harder surfaces commonly associated with metal-based installations. El Gotaibi's use of wool reflects an interest in presenting cultural creativity through materials and techniques connected to his home region. The exhibition also encourages a wider appreciation of artistic contributions from North Africa, showing how local traditions can become part of contemporary visual culture.

Different Textures, One Composition

The exhibition includes several works that use the same basic materials but create different visual effects. In Reflection (2026), copper and wool form a composition measuring 346 by 185 centimeters. The choice of copper introduces another metal surface, offering a different appearance from the weathered steel used in other pieces.

The artist also experiments with how the fibers are arranged. Some details appear dense and carefully gathered, while others remain loose and extended. This variety gives the works depth and makes their surfaces interesting from different viewing distances. Small details become particularly important in these sculptures. A close view reveals the way individual fibers are grouped and attached, while a wider view allows the overall arrangement to resemble an abstract landscape.

Wind From the North demonstrates how familiar materials can be used in unexpected ways. Through aged copper, weathered steel, and carefully arranged wool, Amine El Gotaibi creates sculptures that connect contemporary art with the natural landscapes and craft traditions of North Africa.

The exhibition's appeal comes from its balance of contrasting elements. Hard metal surfaces meet soft fibers, while carefully arranged details create impressions of movement and changing terrain. Its collection shows how traditional materials can take on a fresh visual role when approached with an imaginative artistic perspective.