M'barek Bouhchichi's Les Graines Noires at Selma Feriani explores Blackness, migration through sculpture and legend
At the Selma Feriani gallery, M'barek Bouhchichi presents his exhibition Les Graines Noires, which delves into themes of Blackness, migration, and personal experiences through sculptures influenced by Tunisian folklore and traditional materials. Curated by Omar Berrada and Beya Othmani, the exhibition showcases various series created in 2025, centering on the Boussaadia tale of a father and his enslaved daughter, Saadia. Notable pieces include two marble sculptures named Saadia (2025), three charred wood sculptures titled Boussaadia (2025), and I Am Here (2025), featuring ceramic jars inspired by Zarzis culture. Additional works consist of Palm-Witness (2025), Stick Charts 1 and 2 (2025), Vegetal Man (2025), ten drawings called Seedings (2025), and two sculptural series, Agave Seeds (2025) and Black Seeds (2025). The exhibition is open until November 22.
Key facts
- Exhibition Les Graines Noires features M'barek Bouhchichi's 2025 works
- Curated by Omar Berrada and Beya Othmani at Selma Feriani gallery
- Engages with Boussaadia legend about Sahelian man and abducted daughter Saadia
- Includes marble sculptures using Tunisian Aziza and Italian Carrara marble
- References Stambeli musical tradition and guembri instruments
- Features ceramic jars inspired by Zarzis region Black community traditions
- Uses Japanese Shou Sugi Ban charring technique on wood sculptures
- Exhibition runs until November 22
Entities
Artists
- M'barek Bouhchichi
- Omar Berrada
- Beya Othmani
- M'barek Toumi
Institutions
- Selma Feriani
- Canvas
Locations
- Tunis
- Tunisia
- Sahel
- Zarzis
- Italy