The International Fair of Marseille kicked off on September 25, 2026, at the Parc Chanot and will run until October 5, 2026. The fair's main theme is "The Mediterranean on Stage." Among the exhibitors is Nabil Gamache, an Algerian artisan known for creating decorative objects from precious wood. This participation comes a month after devastating fires ravaged Jijel, where Gamache resides.
Nabil Gamache was born in 1974 in El Milia, Wilaya de Jijel. His participation in the Marseille International Fair was long-planned, but the recent fires that ravaged his region raised concerns. "I live in El Milia, and the fires were just 5 km from my home," Gamache said. "My family and I were spared, but I was deeply shaken by the human losses and material damage that affected my region."
Gamache began his craft at 16, learning from his cousin in the Jijel region, renowned for its woodwork. "The region's reputation for woodwork made it a natural choice for me," he said. "My imagination allowed me to go further in my creativity and explore various types of wood and creations." After failing his baccalaureate, Gamache decided to pursue a career as an artisan, fabricating artistic objects from precious wood.
In 1989, Gamache launched his career, setting up a small workshop at home. With his dexterity and patience, he transforms raw materials into decorative works of art that combine originality and know-how. "Each gesture is precise, the result of years of experience," he said. "My raw materials are beech, oak, and olive wood. Wood is a noble material; I love feeling the soul it exudes."
Gamache regularly participates in exhibitions at the Palace of Culture and national production fairs. His clients commission him to create decorative pieces, such as paintings, figurines, and bedside lamps. Initially, he worked with simple tools, but over the years, he acquired new techniques and more sophisticated machines. "I bought a jigsaw from Hegner France, a German brand, to make fine and precise cuts," he explained.
At the Marseille International Fair, Gamache's stand is attracting a large crowd. "The most popular decorative objects are marquetry paintings, particularly the one of a woman cradling a bouquet of flowers," he said. Marquetry is a decorative art that involves assembling small pieces of veneer or fine materials to cover and adorn a support. Gamache recently participated in the Artigiano fair in Milan, Italy, and plans to attend a second edition in December.
Gamache is keen to pass on his skills to the younger generation. "This craft must not be lost; I have already trained my son and brother, who work with me," he said. "I plan to launch an association to train young people in this artisanal know-how and acquire more jigsaw machines to make this dream a reality." Gamache is driven by a deep passion for his craft and a desire to innovate and evolve.
Key points
- Algerian artisan Nabil Gamache participates in Marseille International Fair despite recent fires in Jijel.
- Gamache creates decorative objects from precious wood, including marquetry paintings.
- The artisan plans to launch an association to train young people in his craft.
