Tunisian modern art market and key artists, according to Elmarsa director Lilia Ben Salah
Tunisian modern art is making significant strides in global recognition, especially in major galleries and auction platforms, as noted by Lilia Ben Salah, who manages Elmarsa in Tunis and Dubai. Historical figures like Yahia Turki, Aly Ben Salem, Ammar Farhat, Jelal Ben Abdallah, and Abdekaziz Gorgi have shaped this artistic landscape, influenced by local culture and French styles. Modern artists such as Nejib Belkhodja and Hatim Elmekki also contributed notably. Current prominent creators, including Nja Mahdaoui and Abderrazak Sahli, have gained popularity, with their art featured in esteemed institutions such as the British Museum and the Smithsonian.
Key facts
- Elmarsa gallery, based in Tunis and Dubai, represents key Tunisian modern artists.
- First modernist school in Tunisia formed by Yahia Turki, Aly Ben Salem, Ammar Farhat, Jelal Ben Abdallah, and Abdekaziz Gorgi.
- Nejib Belkhodja experimented with abstract art and calligraphy.
- Hatim Elmekki documented social themes and the independence struggle.
- Artists with strong market demand include Nja Mahdaoui, Abderrazak Sahli, Gouider Triki, and Khaled Ben Slimane.
- Khaled Ben Slimane's work explores Sufism through calligraphic repetition.
- Nja Mahdaoui has an exhibition at Sheikh Abdullah Cultural Center in Kuwait.
- Works are in major museums: British Museum, Smithsonian, Mathaf, Institut du Monde Arabe, and others.
Entities
Artists
- Lilia Ben Salah
- Yahia Turki
- Aly Ben Salem
- Ammar Farhat
- Jelal Ben Abdallah
- Abdekaziz Gorgi
- Nejib Belkhodja
- Hatim Elmekki
- Nja Mahdaoui
- Abderrazak Sahli
- Gouider Triki
- Khaled Ben Slimane
- Riccarda Mandrini
Institutions
- Elmarsa
- Barjeel Art Foundation
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- Dalloul Art Foundation
- The Dar Noor Collection
- Kamel Lazaar Foundation
- British Museum
- Smithsonian
- Mathaf
- Institut du Monde Arabe
- National Gallery of Kuala Lumpur
- Idemitsu Museum
- Benaki Museum
- Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
- Badisches Landesmuseum
- Museu de Ceramica de Barcelona
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Sheikh Abdullah Cultural Center
- Artribune
Locations
- Tunisia
- Tunis
- Dubai
- Kuwait
- Sharjah
- Beirut
- London
- Washington
- Doha
- Paris
- Kuala Lumpur
- Tokyo
- Athens
- Amman
- Karlsruhe
- Barcelona
- Minneapolis