Visual Arts in Tunisia A critical historiography of the trajectory of generations and of aesthetic and cultural issues

Abstract

This work, the first two volumes of which were presented on December 12, 2025, at the University of Tunis, is the result of a national conference held in 2019. Led by Professor Sami Ben Ameur, this ambitious project brings together approximately 180 contributors, including Tunisian and Arab researchers, artists, and French academics. The book's originality lies in its methodology, which divides the history of Tunisian art into four major generations: the pioneers (early 20th century), the post-independence period, the 1980s and 1990s, and finally, the 21st century. The complete work comprises 1,700 pages in four volumes. The book combines academic analyses, previously unpublished accounts, rare archival documents, and a wealth of iconographic material to offer both visual and historical depth. The primary objective is to fill a historiographical gap in the Arab world and in Tunisia, where publications on the history of modern art remain limited. By anchoring artistic memory as a cornerstone against the cultural homogenization of globalization, this book aims to be a reference tool for researchers and young people. It traces the evolution of artistic practice, from easel painting that emerged in the 19th century to the most contemporary forms, while highlighting the specificity of Tunisian artistic identity.