Jorf

Details

Nja Mahdaoui (Tunisian, B. 1937)
Jorf
acrylic and Indian ink on canvas
79½ x 39 1/8in. (202 x 99.5cm.)
Executed in 2002-2007

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Lot Essay

Mahdaoui is one of the most distinguished Tunisian artists. His artwork is resonant of the angular Kufic calligraphic script. His work is intricate and structured. The mixture of different colours creates chaos amidst the order of the shapes. Using mainly triangular forms he positions them strategically, placing them above the tri-colour background of black, gold and blue.

The abstract nature of the work allows the viewer to interpret it without the artist's lure towards a particular theme. Mahdaoui focuses on the beauty of the calligraphy as opposed to what the text actually describes. The triangles all point in different directions confusing the viewer as to the true intent behind Mahdaoui's piece.

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