ALGIERS- The National Public Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers commemorated on Monday the 40th anniversary of the passing of Algerian artist M’hamed Issiakhem (1928–1985), a prominent figure in Algerian painting, highlighting his career and artistic legacy.
The commemoration, attended by visual artists and Issiakhem’s son, Younès, provided an occasion to revisit the key moments of the artist’s life and career, highlighting his impact on 20th-century Algerian painting.
During this event, Younès Issiakhem unveiled the latest updates to the website dedicated to his father’s work. Launched in 2023, the digital portal provides a virtual tour of the Issiakhem gallery, showcasing 110 paintings organized chronologically so visitors can follow the evolution of the artist’s style and technique over time.
For his part, art collector and researcher Djaafar Inal praised the qualities of the artist, with whom, he says, he "maintained a long friendship and a fruitful collaboration in the artistic field."
Described as a "man of exceptional humanity," Issiakhem was deeply affected by the events of his childhood and bore the pain of the Algerian people, he recalled.
During the French colonization, the art collector continued, Issiakhem used art as a "cry against injustice and oppression."
The National Museum of Fine Arts showcased a collection of genuine works by Issiakhem, highlighting his career and his distinctive creative genius, developed through years of research and experimentation.
Among these works are "Motherhood," "Pregnancy," "Red," "Depression," "The Kasbah, and "Self-Portrait," paintings that convey the artist’s sensitivities, emotions and deeply felt inner experiences.
Professor Mohand Amokrane conducted a painting workshop for students at the Higher School of Fine Arts, aimed at replicating selected Issiakhem's works.
Born in 1928 in Azeffoun (Tizi Ouzou), M’hamed Issiakhem is considered one of the most influential artistic figures in the visual arts scene in Algeria during the 20th century, with an exceptional career marked by artistic and humanitarian commitment.
