193 Gallery is pleased to present Legs Series, a special exhibition of works by internationally acclaimed Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj, on view in the Project Room from April 1 to May 31, 2025. Renowned for his dynamic fusion of contemporary portraiture, fashion, and pop culture, Hajjaj brings his signature aesthetic to a striking series that turns its focus to an unexpected yet evocative subject: legs and feet.
With this series, Hajjaj continues his exploration of identity, migration, and cultural hybridity. The exhibition introduces nine new portraits of legs adorned in vibrantly mismatched textiles, patterned socks, and boldly colored footwear, forming a visual symphony of textures and tones. Framed using his signature materials—vividly colored plastic mats and repurposed, hand-painted tires—these compositions transform the lower half of the body into a striking symbol of movement, displacement, and resilience. These unconventional materials not only enhance the visual dynamism of the works but also reinforce Hajjaj’s deep engagement with upcycling and the aesthetics of global street culture.
“In the olden days,” Hajjaj reflects, “people walked everywhere… your grandparents would tell you stories about how when they went to Algiers, it took them three months walking.” The imagery in Legs pays tribute to this history of physical journeys while also speaking to the modern experience of global nomads—individuals whose lives are shaped by the intersections of cultures, traditions, and geographies.
