The Grafiflow gallery in Tunis is hosting a retrospective exhibition of Hammadi Ben Saad's work, titled "Remember Me". The exhibition, which runs from October 9 to November 1, 2026, features a selection of works, archives, and documents that highlight the artist's unique style and his contributions to the Tunisian art scene. Hammadi Ben Saad passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 77.
The exhibition, curated by Rim Ben Boubaker, offers a look back at over 50 years of Hammadi Ben Saad's creative work. It showcases his early figures, his research on line, paper, and matter, as well as his abstract monochromes. The exhibition also explores his use of accident and instinct in his artistic process, which gave his work a unique freedom and experimentation.
Hammadi Ben Saad was a self-taught artist who developed a singular style from the 1960s onwards. His work is characterized by its constant movement and transformation, making it difficult to categorize into a single style or period. The exhibition aims to showcase this movement, rather than trying to reconstruct a fixed chronology of his work.
The exhibition features a range of works, including paintings, archives, and documents that demonstrate the evolution of Hammadi Ben Saad's artistic language. It also highlights the connections between his different periods and styles, and invites viewers to discover new aspects of his work. According to Rim Ben Boubaker, the exhibition is not just a tribute to the artist, but also an invitation to continue the conversation with his work.
After Hammadi Ben Saad's passing, his exhibition takes on a new dimension. Rather than closing the chapter on his artistic journey, it offers a new perspective on his work, one that allows for discovery, re-reading, and encounter with new viewpoints. The exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of Hammadi Ben Saad's art, which continues to inspire and touch audiences.
Rim Ben Boubaker, the curator of the exhibition, has paid tribute to Hammadi Ben Saad on her Facebook page, describing him as a rare artist, a true man, and a being of deep humanity. She recalls her privilege of working alongside him and sharing moments of creation, reflection, and complicity. The exhibition is a fitting tribute to his memory and a celebration of his artistic legacy.
The exhibition "Remember Me" is a must-see event for art lovers and those interested in Tunisian culture. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the work of a remarkable artist and to appreciate his contributions to the country's rich artistic heritage. The exhibition will run until November 1, 2026, at the Grafiflow gallery in Tunis.
Key points
- Hammadi Ben Saad's exhibition showcases over 50 years of his artistic creations.
- The exhibition features a range of works, including paintings, archives, and documents.
- The exhibition is a tribute to the artist and an invitation to continue the conversation with his work.
