Selma Feriani Gallery: A New Hub for Art in Tunisia
Art has always been a powerful medium of expression, evoking a myriad of emotions in its audience. In Tunisia, a country with a rich history of art and appreciation for creativity, a new chapter in the art scene is unfolding with the opening of the Selma Feriani Gallery in Tunis.
The gallery, which opened on January 25th, 2024, is part of a growing trend of art spaces that have emerged in Tunisia since the Arab Spring in 2011. Selma Feriani, the founder of the gallery, believes that the cultural climate in Tunisia has shifted, allowing for more opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
The gallery’s location in La Goulette, an industrial port area in the northern suburbs of Tunis, provides ample space for artists to explore new ideas and collaborate with international creators. With 2,000sqm of space, the gallery aims to host artists from around the world and create site-specific pieces that reflect the unique environment of Tunisia.
Feriani’s vision for the gallery goes beyond just showcasing art; she wants to create a hub for international collaborations and artistic conversations. By bringing together artists from different backgrounds and cultures, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of art and its impact on society.
The gallery’s opening exhibition featured works by Nidhal Chamekh, one of five Tunisian artists represented by Feriani, as well as 12 international artists. The event was attended by a mix of local dignitaries, international collectors, and specialized media, highlighting the gallery’s potential to attract a global audience.
With plans to host a series of events over the next two years, including collaborations with artists from Peru and France, the Selma Feriani Gallery is poised to put Tunisia on the map as a hub for contemporary art. Despite the challenges of operating in a challenging economic environment, Feriani remains committed to her vision of promoting Tunisian art on the world stage.