Exhibition “Splendors of Algeria” Unveiled in Algiers: A Tribute to the Nation’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Legacy

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | September 12th, 2024 — The art world turned its gaze to Algiers as the “Splendors of Algeria” exhibition, a compelling and meticulously curated showcase of Algerian artistic prowess, opened to the public on Thursday at the El Kounouz Gallery. This collective exhibition, featuring an impressive array of over one hundred works by four distinguished Algerian artists, offers a captivating reimagining of the nation’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and dynamic culture.

This exhibition, which will run until October 11, draws visitors into a multi-dimensional journey through Algeria’s natural beauty, historical monuments, and the lives of its people. The artists, each belonging to different artistic schools, have employed distinctive and innovative techniques to reinterpret their homeland’s landscapes and culture in unique and thought-provoking ways.

Nourdine Mokkedes leads the exhibition with a collection of 26 breathtaking works, executed in the groundbreaking technique of “pixel art”, a style that emerged with the advent of digital technology in the 1980s. Through a meticulously arranged mosaic of colored pixels, Mokkedes recreates Algeria’s architectural splendors, such as the iconic Casbah of Algiers, alongside traditional garments and vivid depictions of natural landscapes. His work is an homage to Algeria’s architectural heritage and a powerful exploration of cultural identity, blending tradition with digital modernism. Mokkedes’ technique of using pixelation to highlight the intricate details of Algeria’s cultural wealth adds a layer of complexity to his creations, symbolizing the interconnectedness of past and present.

Yacine Hassini shifts the viewer’s perspective to the Mediterranean coastline, immersing audiences in stirring marine landscapes. His large-scale, figurative compositions capture the vastness and mystique of the sea, blending realism with impressionistic nuances. Each brushstroke conveys the artist’s profound emotional connection to the Algerian seascape, as Hassini’s works express the sea not only as a physical entity but as a living force, symbolizing both serenity and turmoil. His commitment to the preservation of Algeria’s coastal heritage is palpable in each carefully rendered wave, reminding viewers of the fragile beauty of the nation’s natural environment.

Meanwhile, Salim Bouhali, exhibiting 25 works, revisits Algeria’s most evocative urban and rural landscapes. His mastery of watercolors breathes life into iconic scenes such as the Admiralty Lighthouse in Algiers, the quaint House by the Shore in Béjaïa, and the timeless charm of Kabyle villages. Bouhali’s attention to architectural and geographical details allows viewers to rediscover the splendor of Algeria’s cities and countryside, often drawing from his personal travels across the nation. His evocative portrayal of these scenes, rich in color and atmosphere, transcends the mere depiction of places, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for Algeria’s multifaceted heritage.

The exhibition also features the work of Malika Laliam, whose oil paintings capture the ethereal quality of the sea with stunning precision. Her figurative approach to the dynamic movements of water, seen in works such as “Mediterranean Shoreline” and “Coasting Beneath the Cliffs”, conveys a profound sense of fluidity and depth. Laliam’s delicate yet powerful brushwork renders the sea an almost sentient presence, an entity in constant flux, embodying both strength and tranquility. Her ability to capture the interplay of light and water draws viewers into an immersive experience, allowing them to witness the beauty of Algeria’s maritime borders through her eyes.

“Splendors of Algeria” stands as a testament to the immense talent of these Algerian artists, whose diverse interpretations of their homeland converge to offer an intricate, multi-layered portrayal of the country’s natural and cultural magnificence. Each artwork not only celebrates Algeria’s breathtaking beauty but also serves as a reminder of the nation’s profound artistic and cultural heritage, poised between the timelessness of its landscapes and the dynamism of contemporary creative expression.

This landmark exhibition is not just an artistic event but a cultural celebration, inviting both art enthusiasts and the general public to engage with the visual narratives of a nation rich in history and natural splendor. Through the eyes of these artists, Algeria’s soul—its landscapes, people, and history—is brought vividly to life, leaving an indelible impression on all who visit.

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