Rachid Ben Ali never doubted: art is not just creation but reaction on happenings that makes the work sometimes with political engagement which goes through himself and that's why it's sensitively personal. The world came into being just as great works of art are born—chaotically, yet inevitably. His works filled the space as if scattered by a sudden hurricane. There is not a single empty corner, not a clean surface left. Even the windows are tightly shut with black shutters, cutting off the outside world.

Looking at these walls, one could almost believe they were breathing. Large red stalactites hung from the ceiling, like frozen drops of blood. Among them stood mysterious remnants—perhaps parts of a sculpture, perhaps fragments of a past the artist himself was unwilling to let go of.

Rachid works impulsively. His art is an immediate reaction to the events raging beyond the walls. He does not seek abstract beauty, nor does he strive for harmony. His works cry out, raise alarms, and challenge the viewer. This aligned him with artists like Raymond Pettibon and Bjarne Melgaard, who also transformed current events into art.

"It is not the work itself that matters, but the process of its creation," he once said. "I do not invent fairy tales. I simply see, feel, and react."

Is there room for imagination in his work? Yes, but not the usual romantic kind—his imagination is raw, sharp-edged, unrefined. Unlike artists who built worlds from fantasy, Rachid does not fabricate—he capture, transmitting reality without filters. His art is not comforting, yet it commands admiration—rough, cutting, and thought-provoking.

There was a time when people claimed that art had died, that imagination was exhausted, that beauty no longer had meaning. But Rachid’s work proved otherwise: even if beauty had long since burned its face, it was still alive. And his art, like the world he sought to understand, knew no boundaries of time.

“The work of the artist Rachid Ben Ali shows that imagination is still alive and kicking and can lead to a rough and rancid form of beauty, still capable of causing amazement, even if this beauty, as Armando once said, scalded her face a long time ago. And thus Rachid Ben Ali installation does indeed transcend time,”
Geurt Imanse, conservator from Stedelijk Museum, in his book dedicated to Rachid Ben Ali.

Rachid Ben Ali's biography is deeply intertwined with his art. As a Moroccan living in Western society, he has often experienced a sense of alienation, a theme that permeates much of his oeuvre. These personal experiences manifest in his paintings, where the themes of identity and freedom merge with a profound existential perspective. He does not shy away from political and cultural discourse, skillfully navigating the fine line between artistic expression and social critique.

His exhibition "Bloothed" at Het Domein museum in Sittard left a profound impact on audiences. The exhibition was so intense and emotionally powerful that visitors were advised to prepare themselves before entering. The space was curated as an immersive installation, drawing viewers into a world that demanded their full engagement. His realistic yet symbolically charged imagery explored themes of human nature, personal liberation, and societal constraints.

He was awarded the prestigious KDR KunstRAI prize, with the jury praising his expressive intensity, dynamism, and ability to charge canvases with raw energy. 

As part of the national event of cultural exchange between Morocco and the Netherlands, his solo exhibition at the Cobra Museum showcased around forty of his most recent works. Created in a short period yet with exceptional focus, these pieces reflected his unwavering dedication to his craft. At first glance, his style may appear chaotic, yet it conceals a remarkable mastery of form, composition, and color.

He was a member of the advisory board for the grand exhibition celebrating 400 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Morocco, held at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The event was attended by heads of state and members of royal families, underscoring its historical significance and diplomatic importance.

His artistic significance has been acknowledged at the highest level: Rachid Ben Ali's works were selected by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and for decades, they have remained an integral part of the permanent collection at the Stedelijk Museum—one of Western Europe's leading cultural institutions.

Throughout his career, his artworks have found their way to countries across all continents, becoming part of prestigious collections worldwide. Galleries eagerly seize the opportunity to showcase his pieces whenever possible, recognizing their artistic and cultural importance.

Rachid Ben Ali's art is a deeply personal exploration of the contemporary world, where themes of identity, freedom, conflict, love, and self-discovery intertwine. His work continues to evoke powerful emotions and provoke thought, offering an unfiltered reflection of the complexity and nuances of the human experience.