Biography
Born in Tunisia in 1937, Nja Mahdaoui pursued his artistic education at the Academia Santa Andrea in Rome and the École du Louvre in Paris, graduating in 1967. Renowned for his focus on calligraphy, Mahdaoui’s work is a pioneering force in the realm of the “written word.” Initially drawing inspiration from abstract painting, his innovative approach to lettering exudes a poetic grandeur, and its rhythmic quality elevates the viewer into a contemplative state.
He often depicts sacred myths, tales, and manuscripts, imbuing his art with profound narrative depth. Regularly represented by Elmarsa Gallery, Mahdaoui’s work is showcased at prestigious international art fairs in Basel, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Marrakech, and Miami. His creations are held in esteemed collections, including the British Museum, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., the Mathaf – Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, and the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris. Mahdaoui is celebrated as a vanguard of the contemporary Arab art scene.
Artwork
