Hassan Hajjaj's photography and Acid Arab music merge in a pop art exhibition with diverse cultural influences.

We went.

Hassan Hajjaj photographs his rock stars in front of tin cans, wearing Nike slippers and pop-art sunglasses, under the natural light of Marrakech or London. The Philharmonie de Paris is dedicating a major exhibition to the man his friend, Rachid Taha, nicknamed "Andy Wahloo", a nod to Andy Warhol.

Born in 1961 in Larache, Morocco, and living in London since his teens, Hajjaj has invented a language at the crossroads of fashion portraiture, documentary photography, and collage. His musicians (from Gnawa culture, rock, or rap), carefully dressed by the artist, pose in front of woven backdrops. Once the shot is taken, he completes his works with a unique frame made from an accumulation of tin cans. The photo shoot unfolds like a festive ritual, often accompanied by an impromptu concert. The exhibition brings together some forty photographs in an installation designed specifically for the Philharmonie. The cult French electro-oriental duo Acid Arab, who have been blending ancestral rhythms, techno, punk, disco, and Arabic rap since 2012, have created an original soundscape for the exhibition.

Did you know?
Hassan Hajjaj has his own place in Marrakech, the Riad Yima. The artist opened a gallery-café-shop-riad there in the medina in 2008. He exhibits his Rock Stars there, sells his prints and designer furniture, and hosts musicians in residence. North African pop has its permanent address.

MUSÉE DE LA MUSIQUE – PHILHARMONIE DE PARIS
From September 22, 2026 to April 25, 2027
221 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Metro Porte de Pantin (5)
Tue. to Sun. 12-6pm, Sat. and Sun. from 10am
Prices: €8 - Reduced price: €6 - Free for under 26s