Artistic movements such as the Tunisian Salon Society of French Orientalist Painters, and the Society of Algerian Artists and Orientalists fostered discourse, expanding possibilities for scholarship and education. The narrative of landscape painting evolved further in the early 20th century with the emergence of groups like the Groupe des Dix and the Aouchem group, emphasising the need for intimate depictions of the North African landscape. The Ecole de Tunis, founded in 1947, contributed to reviving traditional motifs in a new era of social realism.
The exhibition showcases a roster of influential artists spanning various periods:
- Alexis Delahogue (France, 1867 – 1936)
- Ammar Farhat (Tunisia, 1911-1987)
- Antoine ‘Mayo’ Malliarakis (Egypt, 1905-1990)
- Atef Maatallah (Tunisia, b. 1981)
- Baya Mahieddine (Algeria, 1931 – 1998)
- Cecile Bougourd (France, 1857 – 1941)
- Hedi Turki (Tunisia, 1922 – 2019)
- Jellal Ben Abdallah (Tunisia, 1921 – 2017)
- Moses Levy (Italy, 1885 – 1968)
- Pierre Boucherle (France/Tunisia, 1894 – 1988)
- Yahia Turki (Turkey/ Tunisia, 1901/03 – 1969)
- Zoubeir Turki (Turkey/ Tunisia, 1924 – 2009)
Each artist contributes a unique perspective, blending traditional and modern influences, and addressing modern and contemporary themes. The exhibition traces the historical trajectory of landscape painting and underscores its ongoing relevance through the nuanced approaches of present-day artists like Atef Maatallah, who explores the fragility of historical narratives and human existence within the landscape.
About Elmarsa Gallery
Established in 1994, Elmarsa Gallery operates in Tunis and Dubai, with a growing presence in Paris. Specialising in modern and contemporary art, the gallery champions and nurtures the careers of prominent artists from North Africa and the Middle East, spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. With expansive exhibition spaces in Tunis and Dubai, Elmarsa curates a diverse program. Engaged in both primary and secondary art markets, the gallery actively represents its artists at major international art fairs across key cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, Marrakech, Miami, and New York, emphasizing a focus on African and Middle Eastern art.
Location: Elmarsa Gallery, Dubai
Dates: 20 November, 2023 – 15 January, 2024