Graphemes

Details

Nja Mahdaoui (Tunisian, b. 1937)
Graphemes
signed 'nja' and signed in Arabic (lower right)
ink on linen
78 ¾ x 78 ¾ in. (200 x 200cm.)
Executed in 2009

Provenance

Galerie El Marsa, Dubai.
Anon. sale, Christie’s Dubai, 26 October 2010, lot 72.
Private collector.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.

Special notice

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Lot Essay

A large and intricate masterpiece by the Tunisian artist Nja Mahdaoui is presented, depicting the artist's search as an “explorer of signs”, commonly known as a “choreographer of letters." Inspired by the Arabic calligraphy and the Tunisian tradition more generally he developed a modern abstract art which is deeply poetic. His creative approach is emphasized by his choice of materials. While he is best known for his work on parchment, he has also worked on a large palette of other supports such as wood, brass and papyrus to name a few.

The large vibrant masterpiece here represents a masterfully complex and colourful circle tightly composed within a square. This hypnotic work witnesses the strong presence of movements and rhythms in the work of the artist.

Mahdaoui is a member of the international jury committee of the UNESCO Prize for the promotion of the arts and he has received a number of distinctions and international awards.

Nja Mahdaoui’s work graces many international museums and public spaces. The artist participated in numerous exhibitions around the world including at the Institut du monde arabe, in Paris, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the National Museum of Scotland and the Modern Art Museum in Baghdad.

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