Wissal Aziz is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and versatile creative. She is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer who creates layered paintings using luxury materials, linking the depth of her experiences with explosive creativity. Wissal’s art and work has always been a mix of sharp thinking and joie de vivre, heavily influenced by her Moroccan heritage, Dutch upbringing and many exotic travels. She was born in Marrakech and since has lived in Amsterdam. Wissal is known for her ability to find and make connections that most wouldn’t consider. She curates incredibly serendipitous moments to those in her care. The layers of Wissal’s life are highly representative of the layers in which she works.
“What are we but layers of imperfect perfections? What is life but layers of imperfect perfections?”
~Wissal Aziz
“What are we but layers of imperfect perfections? What is life but layers of imperfect perfections?”
~Wissal Aziz
GOWTU is the newest addition to Wissal’s endeavors, combining her artistic side and long entrepreneurial career. GOWTU or gold is featured prominently in all of her work. It shines brightly as a reminder of her golden heart, but also the fierceness that we should exist with. This golden thread shows up in the opportunities she created for herself and others.
Gowtu is also a play on words and a celebration of the trifecta of the value of gold in her Moroccan identity, the role Wissal has played of being a Go-to, and the role Suriname has played in her personal and professional spheres. Gowtu means gold in Surinamese. In Suriname, gold is a way for everyone to celebrate and give value to themself. In Moroccan culture and many MENA countries, gold serves as a safety net for women to ensure their long-term care and security. Wissal’s use of gold is prominent in her work because she believes in celebrating life now.
In addition to the gallery, Gowtu is a 360 creative hub that includes a network of creatives, unique interior design items and boutique fashion items. Wissal is also known for her custom work on motorcycle gear, sneakers, and high fashioned fabric pillows, rugs, and clothing.