Born in 1977 in Moscow, Zoulikha Bouabdellah is a multimedia artist renowned for her work that challenges societal norms, particularly concerning gender representations. ‘Let’s Dance!’ presents a collection of new paintings characterised by vibrant colours, bold lines, and fragmented depictions of bodies intermingled with symbolic forms. Bouabdellah’s exploration of the fragment as an aesthetic concept challenges conventional perceptions and redefines canonical representations.
In Bouabdellah’s compositions, the body is portrayed as a canvas for expression, embodying various states of existence – from sublimation to mutilation, from desire to veiling. She describes the body as a poetic vessel, housing the spectrum of human experience across time and space.
Through artworks like “Diane” (2023) and the series “Jeu de Jambes” (2023), Bouabdellah interrogates the complexities of human embodiment, rejecting conventional norms and embracing the fluidity of form and identity. Her paintings engage with themes of freedom, beauty, and the deconstruction of historical gender roles, challenging the traditional portrayal of women in art.
Bouabdellah’s work extends beyond mere representation; it serves as a platform for empowerment and self-expression, inviting viewers to question preconceived notions of beauty and identity. By dismantling conventional narratives surrounding the body, she offers a fresh perspective on the human form and its significance in contemporary society. Through her innovative approach to painting, Bouabdellah ignites conversations about gender, identity, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer’s perception of the world.
About Zoulikha Bouadbellah
Zoulikha Bouabdellah, born in Moscow and raised in Algiers before settling in France in 1993, boasts a rich artistic background. Graduating from ENSBA-Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts Paris-Cergy in 2002, she inherits a passion for art from her parents – Hassen Bouabdellah, a renowned film director and author, and Malika Dorbani, former head of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers. Bouabdellah’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses video, photography, drawing, sculpture, and installation. Her works challenge societal norms and global issues, exploring themes of conflicts, sexuality, and women’s status. Recognised internationally, she has received prestigious awards and her works are housed in collections worldwide. Currently based in Paris and Casablanca, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Location: Lilia Ben Salah Gallery, Paris.
Dates: February 1st – March 23rd, 2024
Caption featured image: Zoulikha Bouabdella Amour maternel Envers Endroit (Série) 2023, collage, encre et acrylique su sur papier imprimé et marouflé sur toile et cousu 60 x 85 cm. Photo credit : Romain Darnaud, Copyright: Adagp, Paris, 2024.