Mohamed Issiakhem (1928-1985)
The Algerian artist Mohamed Issiakhem (1928-1985) is a key figure in the abstract movement. He is one of the most important pioneers in the modern era in Algeria and the Arab world.
Issiakhem was born on June 17th, 1928, in the Kabylie region of Tizi Ouzou (105 kilometers from Algiers). He displayed a great passion for the arts.
The graphic designer and painter, had a particular interest in fine arts. He studied it in depth in all its fields and disciplines.
In 1947, he joined the Students’ Association of Fine Arts at the School of Fine Arts in Algiers. In 1953 he traveled to Paris where he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris. He left in 1958 for Germany, then East Germany, where he remained until Algerian independence.
Issiakhem returned to his native Algeria in 1962 and worked as a cartoonist for the daily newspaper Al-Jumhuriya. During the next year, he was one of the founding members of the National Union of Fine Arts. He became head of the drawing workshop at the School of Fine Arts in Algiers (1964-1966).
He later became director of the School of Fine Arts in Oran.
Enigmatic figures
His early works often depicted the Algerian landscape and scenes of daily life. But he gradually moved towards a more abstract and symbolic style.
He developed a personal iconography. It featured recurring motifs like enigmatic figures. There were ancient symbols and architectural elements. These elements seemed to exist outside of specific time or place.
Later in his life, Issiakhem continued to explore themes of memory and belonging. He often reflected on the transformations and challenges faced by Algerian society.
Besides the paintings he produced, he also wrote several articles and studies in the field.
Between 1965 and 1982, Issiakhem created many models of Algerian banknotes. He also designed and created many official stamps for Algeria. Also, from 1973 to 1978 he returned to work in caricature.
In 1972, he traveled to Vietnam. A year later, he received the gold medal at the International Exhibition in Algiers.
In 1977, he took over the management of a large mural at Algiers Airport.
Issiakhem’s legacy
Issiakhem received in 1980, the first UNESCO Golden Lion of Rome Award for African Art for his work.
Throughout his career, Mohamed Issiakhem exhibited his work extensively both in Algeria and internationally. He gained recognition for his singular artistic language.
He died on December 1, 1985, after a long struggle with illness.
Issiakhem left behind a significant artistic legacy. He added to the history of world art. He innovated many modern experimental styles in drawing and visual art. These styles are still used by other artists today.
Mohamed Issiakhem’s legacy lies in his ability to synthesize his cultural heritage with a modern artistic sensibility. He created a body of work that is deeply rooted in the Algerian context. This work also speaks to broader human concerns.
His paintings are held in many public and private collections, testament to his contribution to Algerian and contemporary art.
He is considered by many the founder of modern visual art in Algeria.
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