Under the Sand: Nucléus Exhibition Explores Gafsa's Mining Legacy
A new exhibition titled 'Under the Sand — Nucléus' has opened, featuring artists including Imen Bahri, Minhee Kim, Amélie Labourdette, and more. Guided by artistic directors Souad Mani and Wilfried Nail, with support from associate curator Jean-Christophe Arcos, this project highlights the historical and contemporary impact of the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa in Tunisia's Gafsa region. The exhibition not only showcases the colonial legacy linked to geologist Philippe Thomas but also addresses issues stemming from nationalization, such as corruption and unemployment, that sparked protests during the Arab Spring. The artwork reinterprets geological formations and includes innovative maps and tech-focused pieces.
Key facts
- Exhibition features seven artists: Imen Bahri, Minhee Kim, Amélie Labourdette, Dominique Leroy, Souad Mani, Wilfried Nail, Pascale Rémita.
- Artistic directors: Souad Mani and Wilfried Nail.
- Associate curator: Jean-Christophe Arcos.
- Project rooted in the Gafsa mining basin, Tunisia.
- Region historically controlled by Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG).
- French geologist Philippe Thomas initiated colonial mining.
- Mining transitioned from underground to open-pit, leading to automation and job losses.
- Gafsa became a center of protests that preceded the Arab Spring.
- Exhibition presents 'non-works' that are untitled and undefined.
- Works include photography, sound installation, algorithms, and mixed media.
Entities
Artists
- Imen Bahri
- Minhee Kim
- Amélie Labourdette
- Dominique Leroy
- Souad Mani
- Wilfried Nail
- Pascale Rémita
- Ali Tnani
- Jean-Christophe Arcos
Institutions
- Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa
Locations
- Gafsa
- Tunisia
- Redeyef
- France
Sources
- artpress —