# Amine El Gotaibi Explores Geography Through Metal and Wool Sculptures The Moroccan artist challenges fixed borders using oxidized metal and traditional textile materials. - **Source:** [Colossal](https://www.thisiscolossal.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/06c57bbb-2669-47fd-9c52-52e473396bd5 ## Nature Beyond National Boundaries Moroccan artist Amine El Gotaibi explores the indifference of wind toward human-made borders in his latest exhibition. Titled Wind From the North, the collection is currently on view at Southern Guild in New York. The artist uses this natural phenomenon to question how we perceive and remember specific geographic locations. ## Materiality of Time and Land The sculptures feature panels of copper and steel that have been intentionally weathered to reveal oxidized patinas. These aged backdrops serve as the foundation for tufts of beige and rust-colored wool. The contrast between the rigid, decaying metal and the soft, organic fibers highlights the tension between land and state. ## Textile Traditions in Highlands Wool is a central element in the work, reflecting the ancient textile production traditions found in the highlands of Northern Africa. By incorporating these fibers, El Gotaibi connects his artistic practice to the historical craft heritage of his home region. The material acts as a bridge between past traditions and contemporary art. ## Challenging Regional Cultural Narratives El Gotaibi specifically aims to challenge the common assumption that Africa’s primary cultural contributions originate from central or southern regions. By focusing on the North, he reclaims the narrative for his own geographic context. This deliberate choice forces viewers to reconsider their mental maps of the continent and its diverse output. ## Geography as Porous Space The exhibition statement describes geography as a porous and interconnected concept rather than a set of fixed coordinates. El Gotaibi suggests that landscapes are shaped as much by what passes through them as by the political lines drawn around them. This perspective invites a more fluid understanding of regional identity and movement. ## Specific Works and Dimensions Several pieces in the show, such as the 2026 work Reflection, utilize copper and wool to reach dimensions of 346 by 185 centimeters. Another piece, Desert Wind, incorporates Corten steel and measures 200 by 130 centimeters. These large-scale works emphasize the physical presence of the landscape within the gallery space. ## Exhibition Timeline and Access The Wind From the North exhibition is currently open to the public at Southern Guild in New York. Visitors have until January 9 to view the collection of metal and wool sculptures. Those unable to attend in person can explore further details regarding the artist’s process and specific works via his Instagram. ## Artistic Legacy and Impact By merging industrial materials with traditional crafts, El Gotaibi creates a dialogue about the forces that shape our collective memory. His work serves as a reminder that cultural identity is not static but constantly evolving. This exhibition provides a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on geography, heritage, and artistic representation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/11/amine-el-gotaibi-wind-from-the-north/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._