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PHOTO CREDIT: Carlota Delgado
Born in Morocco and grew up in Barcelona, Kautar Larif has been shaped by the artistic richness of these two worlds. Influenced by masters such as Gaudí, Miró and Adnan, she has forged a unique style that blends tradition and modernity. Her career, marked by experiences in Barcelona and Paris, has enabled her to develop an innovative approach to mosaics. Her recent creation for Sessùn's Paris flagship perfectly demonstrates her ability to fuse bright colours, geometric shapes and cultural heritage. This project illustrates Kautar's mastery of transforming ideas into harmonious and inspiring works of art.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background?
I was born in Morocco where my childhood memories were filled with colors and light. At a very early age, I moved to Spain, In Barcelona where I experienced my first love affairs with the arts in the city of Gaudi and not far from Mirò.
Your work seems strongly influenced by iconic artists such as Etel Adnan, Nicolas De Staël and Joan Miró. How do these influences manifest themselves in your mosaics, and how do you manage to integrate these inspirations while developing your own style?
Yes, indeed, I studied History of Art and even now, I cannot live without exploring and visiting museums and galleries around the world. My first job was for an Italian mosaic company in Barcelona, and then I met a French mosaicist with whom I learned different techniques in Paris. However, I consider myself as an iconoclast—I did not learn in a traditional setting with conventional patterns, which now gives me the freedom to create my own universe, integrating references from modern and contemporary arts. It's an organic process. I don't have the words to explain it -Its MAGICAL.
Can you tell us more about how you choose the colors to create your mosaic works and how you combine them? What challenges do you come across in this initial phase?
The mix of colors, shapes, and textures comes together like a casual cocktail. I always strive to follow my instincts and inspiration. Why not combine sober pieces with shocking pink? Everything is possible.
Freedom is one of my mantras.
What fascinates you about using bright colors and graphic, geometric shapes in your mosaics?
Coloring is a way of creating an escape from reality; it fascinates me how unlimited our imagination can be. Every time I color with my mosaics, I’m creating a new world. As much as I love mixing colors without judgment or limits, I need an organized approach to the mix. That’s why I’m obsessed with geometrics—they bring harmony to each piece.
For the new Paris flagship store, you've imagined a mosaic. Can you tell us about this creation and the creative process that went with it, from initial idea to final realization?
For SESSÙN I envisioned a neutral composition inspired by my Moroccan roots, like a beautifully woven carpet. The goal was to create a piece that complements the environment created by Cobalto studio—something that would harmonize with the soft colors and motifs of the printed SESSÙN´S collection. I chose the micro marble mosaic for its holistic and neutral qualities, evoking a sunny universe. Additionally, this choice was made because the SESSÙN´S logo needed to be seamlessly integrated into this composition.
What skills did you call upon and how many hours of work did it take to create the work of art in the store?
I rely entirely on manual techniques, using only my hands, a tile nipper, and the skills I've honed over the past 20 years to create my work.
Completing this piece in the atelier took me four weeks.
We worked closely with Cobalto Studio on this project. Had you worked with them before?
This marks my first, but certainly not my last, collaboration with Cobalto Studio, who I both admire and love their fresh creativity and the sense of details just like the fashion world of SESSÙN collections. I’ve been following their creative philosophy for years; They prioritize the connections between people, placing human relationships at the center of their creative process. It aligns with my own values. It's an honor for me to be part of such a team and an inspiring project.
What do you take away from your collaboration with Sessùn and what Sessaun means to me?
Collaborating with SESSÙN has been a deeply personal journey that resonates with my passion for the disciplines of arts and fashion. It has been an incredible opportunity to merge our creative visions, fulfilling my aim to transform and inspire, and to be part of a community that celebrates creativity.
To me, SESSÙN is more than just a brand; it embodies a profound connection. I adore their bright, relaxed style, which integrates seamlessly into everyday life—from social media to the streets—and profoundly influences how I interact with the world around me.
DISCOVER KAUTAR LARIF'S LOOK
