1970s Mohamed Hamri Moroccan Modernist Painting Three Veiled Women, Signed

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Mohamed Hamri (Moroccan, 1932–2000) — Three Veiled Women, Original Oil and Gouache Painting, Signed

An evocative original oil and gouache … Read more Mohamed Hamri (Moroccan, 1932–2000) — Three Veiled Women, Original Oil and Gouache Painting, Signed

An evocative original oil and gouache painting by celebrated Moroccan modernist artist Mohamed Hamri (1932–2000), depicting three women dressed in traditional Moroccan garments and veils. Executed in a striking palette of emerald green, turquoise, crimson red, and deep cobalt blue, this expressive composition captures the distinctive visual language of one of Morocco's important 20th-century figurative painters.

The three women appear closely grouped against an atmospheric midnight-blue background, their faces partially concealed beneath green veils and elaborate headdresses adorned with white accents. Rich red-and-white patterned textiles introduce rhythmic movement and contrast, while their simplified faces and powerful silhouettes create an intimate, almost ceremonial quality.

Hamri's confident brushwork, flattened perspective, unconventional proportions, and vibrant color combinations reveal his individual interpretation of Moroccan daily life, culture, and tradition. The painting combines elements of Modernism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Naïve Art, balancing figurative storytelling with an almost abstract arrangement of shapes and colors.

The work is signed HAMRI in the lower-right corner, together with additional handwritten markings.

About the Artist

Mohamed Hamri was born in 1932 in northern Morocco, near the culturally significant village of Joujouka. An artist, writer, and influential cultural figure, he became closely associated with the international artistic community of Tangier during the mid-20th century.

Hamri developed important relationships with American writer and composer Paul Bowles and British painter and writer Brion Gysin. Gysin encouraged his artistic development and introduced him to European modernist painting.

Beyond his visual art, Hamri played an important role in introducing the Master Musicians of Joujouka to international audiences, connecting traditional Moroccan musical culture with the writers, musicians, and artists of the Beat Generation.

Often referred to as the Painter of Morocco, Hamri developed a highly recognizable artistic language characterized by expressive color, bold forms, stylized figures, and intimate portrayals of Moroccan society. His work was exhibited internationally and remains associated with the distinctive artistic and cultural history of Tangier.

Artistic Style and Collecting Interest

Collectors of Henri Matisse, Kees van Dongen, Raoul Dufy, André Derain, and Pablo Picasso may appreciate Hamri's bold color relationships, simplified figuration, and expressive modernist compositions. His work also shares certain visual qualities with Moroccan painters Mohamed Ben Ali R'bati and Hassan El Glaoui, particularly in its celebration of North African culture and traditional life.

These references are intended as stylistic comparisons rather than statements of direct collaboration or influence.

This original Moroccan painting is particularly well suited to an eclectic modern interior, Mediterranean residence, Moroccan-inspired living room, curated gallery wall, or sophisticated collection of African and international modernist art.

Presented in its existing vintage giltwood frame with a wide, naturally aged cream-colored mat, the painting retains an appealing period character.

Dimensions
Overall framed: 25.50" W × 19.50" H × 0.50" D
Sight (visible artwork): 17.50" W × 11.50" H

Details
Artist: Mohamed Hamri (1932–2000)
Origin: Morocco
Period: 20th century
Medium: Oil and gouache
Subject: Three women in traditional Moroccan attire
Style: Moroccan Modernism, Figurative Expressionism, Fauvism, Naïve Art
Signature: Signed HAMRI, lower right
Presentation: Vintage giltwood frame with cream mat

Condition: Vintage condition with visible age-related discoloration to the mat and wear consistent with age; please refer to photographs.

An expressive example of North African figurative modernism, this signed painting offers an opportunity to collect the work of an artist whose creative legacy bridges Moroccan traditions, European modernism, and the international cultural history of Tangier. See less