Draft:Ali Kanane

• Comment: Mostly unsourced, the three sources appear to be all based from the same root and all just promoting NFTs KylieTastic (talk) 09:44, 27 September 2024 (UTC)

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Born: 1987, Casablanca, Morocco

Nationality: Moroccan

Occupation: Digital Artist, Concept Artist, Art Director

Notable Work: Digital Art, Urban Contemporary Art, Direction Artistique, Brand Collaborations

Early Life and Education

Ali Kanane was born in Casablanca in 1987. He pursued his passion for the arts early on, earning a degree in Arts Plastiques in 2005 from Jaber Ibn Hayyan High School. His artistic journey took a professional turn in 2008 when he joined Ubisoft, where he worked as a concept artist until 2016, contributing to various internationally acclaimed projects.

Career

Kanane began his professional path in 2008 as a concept artist for Ubisoft, where he contributed to numerous game design projects, working with the company until 2016. His time at Ubisoft helped shape his artistic identity, and he later transitioned into digital and contemporary urban art.

Beyond the gaming industry, Kanane established himself as an influential figure in art direction, collaborating with some of the largest global brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Starbucks. His work in advertising reflects his versatility, blending his background in digital art with the commercial world.

He also collaborated with notable Moroccan artists including Don Bigg, Mr ID, and Ouenza, merging his digital style with their creative visions. This combination of commercial and artistic work helped him rise to prominence within Morocco’s creative scene.

In addition to his collaborations, Kanane serves as the art director (DA) for one of the leading advertising agencies in Morocco, where his role involves overseeing major creative campaigns and projects for a range of high-profile clients.

NFT Pioneer

Ali Kanane is recognized as one of the pioneers of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) in Morocco. His project, Angels of Africa, launched in 2022, was the country’s first random NFT art collection. The collection consists of 11,111 unique portraits of African angels, exploring themes of racial representation and the duality of modern life. His work pushes the boundaries of digital art by combining virtual creations with physical manifestations, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and futuristic art forms. The project was further supported by collaborations with musicians like Mr. ID and graffiti artist Days​(Le Matin.ma )​(La Nouvelle Tribune).

Recognition

In 2023, Kanane received a prestigious decoration from the Société Académique for his artistic achievements. This recognition solidified his influence in both the national and international art communities, honoring his contributions to contemporary and digital art.

Artistic Style

Kanane’s artistic style is a fusion of digital media and urban culture. His portfolio showcases a variety of works ranging from digital illustrations and paintings to streetwear fashion design and advertising campaigns. He is known for his ability to blend contemporary urban aesthetics with commercial designs, which allows him to engage with both the art world and corporate brands.

Collaborations and Influence

Kanane’s collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Starbucks demonstrate his commercial versatility, while his work with Moroccan musical icons like Don Bigg, Mr ID, and Ouenza highlights his cultural influence. His role as art director for a leading Moroccan advertising company further underscores his impact on the country's creative industry.

References

Le Matin - Ali Kanane lance sa collection randomisée en NFT​ [[]]

La Nouvelle Tribune - Ali Kanane et la première collection NFT au Maroc​

Ali Kanane, pionnier des NFT au Maroc