On September 30, 2026, Bouchra Ouizguen presented her performance Nahl at the Panthéon in Paris. The title Nahl comes from the Arabic word for "bee," and the piece features a group of children aged nine to eleven who engage in a dance that emphasizes listening and attention. The performance is part of the exhibition Vies minuscules, which was on display in the nave of the Panthéon from September 25, 2026, to January 31, 2027. This exhibition focuses on small-scale life and the intricate details of everyday existence.
Nahl draws inspiration from the metaphorical world of animals, with the bee representing collective effort and creation. The children's movements—rolling, jumping, singing, shouting, and becoming still—mirror the behavior of a collective organism that is always changing. The interactions among the children are based on mutual availability and can be reversed, allowing for temporary groupings and spontaneous changes in the group dynamic.
The performance was produced by Compagnie O, with co-production support from the Festival d’Automne à Paris, the Centre Pompidou—Department of culture and creation, and the Centre des monuments nationaux. Additional support came from the Hermès Enterprise Foundation. Bouchra Ouizguen is a recipient of the international residencies program by the City of Paris at Récollets, which provides artists with opportunities to develop their work in a supportive environment.
Nahl is part of the Constellation program at the Centre Pompidou, which aims to foster innovative and experimental artistic practices. Through this program, the Centre Pompidou continues to support contemporary art that challenges traditional boundaries and explores new forms of expression.
Bouchra Ouizguen's Nahl Performance at the Panthéon
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Sceneweb



