São Paulo – Moroccan artisan Abdelaziz Bahsain (pictured above) lives in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, since 2010. He is a plastic artist, paints canvases with Arab landscapes, and designs typical Moroccan furniture, such as chairs, benches, tables, and cabinets. Aziz uses demolition wood to create his hand-painted pieces.
Married to Brazilian artist and business partner Angela Prata, the couple had a physical store from 2013 to 2017. However, they had to close it because, according to him, at that time, the country was already experiencing an economic crisis, even before the pandemic arrived. Now, the couple produces custom-made pieces and exhibits their products at the natural products store Flor do Grão, in the Campeche neighborhood, in Florianópolis. Aziz’s workshop is in the backyard of his house.
For Aziz, what sets his work apart is the design and colors of each piece and being all unique, hand-painted, in the authentic Moroccan style. “We have a catalog with the available items for prompt delivery and custom orders,” he said.
In addition to decorative items, Aziz cooks and maintains a kiosk serving Moroccan dishes such as sfiha and falafel at the Flor do Grão store from Thursday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Before the pandemic, the couple used to participate in several shows and exhibitions throughout Brazil. Aziz also writes Arabic calligraphy on-demand and at events. “The client asks for his name written on canvas or a piece of furniture, and we write it, remotely or in-person; the client can come to us and choose the calligraphy style,” said Aziz.
Born in Tétouan, the Moroccan lived for 25 years in Europe, between Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, and spoke Portuguese even before moving to Brazil. He also offers furniture restoration services, room decoration and landscaping, and online Arabic language and Arabic calligraphy classes.
Aziz believes Brazil is in the process of an economic upturn. “I hope Brazil will improve more and more; each one must do their work and have patience so we can support each other,” he said.
Contact
WhatsApp: +55 48 99620-7902
Instagram: @lamaisondumacarte
Email: albaracaloja@gmail.com
Flor do Grão store – Av. Pequeno Príncipe, 1864 – Campeche – Florianópolis – SC, Brazil
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
