Zineb Allaoui

I’m Zineb Allaoui (she/her), a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Morocco, now living in Ottawa, Ontario. As an Amazigh Black woman, making art comes naturally to me—it’s a part of who I am, deeply tied to the traditions and stories of my ancestors. My family’s history is woven into every thread of the rugs they created. These rugs weren’t just objects; they were stories, maps of lives lived, expressions of emotion, and symbols only understood by the maker. Creating art was second nature to them, and it feels the same for me.

I call my art rebellious because it refuses to fit into any single category or style. I believe in breaking boundaries, so I don’t limit myself to one medium or form. A canvas isn’t just a canvas—it can be a door, a teapot, a T-shirt, a phone case, or even a tattoo. For me, the possibilities are endless. My signature style, “Black Lines White Canvas,” is inspired by the intricate beauty of arabesque art and Moroccan ornamental design, using bold lines and minimalist compositions to convey both simplicity and depth.

Five years ago, I moved to Canada, and creating art became my way of staying connected to my roots and to the stories of my homeland. In the two years I’ve been part of the Ottawa art scene, I’ve experienced incredible growth, connection, and opportunity. I’ve had the privilege of selling my work at over 10 art markets across the city and showcasing it in exhibitions. Some highlights include “We Do Not Dream of Labour” at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), Illussive Illusion in the Atelier Room at Arts Court, See Me Now at the Urban Art Collective with OBAK, and Co-Creation: Shaping New Realities at The Morning Owl Café with Art, Design and Therapy, which is still on display.

In addition to these exhibitions, I’ve been honored to be featured in Zine 006 with the Ottawa Design Club and La Rotonde, the University of Ottawa’s independent French newspaper.

These are not just lines; these are my emotions. It’s a language I call "Black Lines White Canvas," which started as a personal journey of self-discovery through journaling. It was my attempt to express myself without using words as a medium.

Using mainly black paint, without a prior sketch. I put my paintbrush on my canvas and let my spirit do the work. I only know the meaning of my painting when I am done, it’s like looking at a painting at a gallery for the first time.