Mahjoub BEN BELLA (1946-2020) : - Lot 96

Mahjoub BEN BELLA (1946-2020) : NINE BLUE AND WHITE CERAMIC PLATES White calligraphic inscriptions on a blue background, in Arabic, in a spiral at the base of the plate and in a circular band on the rim. Diameter: 27 cm. Mahjoub Ben Bella was born on October 20, 1946 in Maghnia, Algeria, and died on June 11, 2020 in Lille, France. He gained worldwide renown for his paintings with Arabic calligraphic inscriptions and a broad palette of colors. He developed this style during his studies in Paris, first at the École supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and then at the École supérieure des Beaux-arts. Before that, he trained at the École des Beaux-arts in Oran and Tourcoing. The diversity of techniques and media he mobilized magnifies his artistic richness. During his lifetime, he created a large number of works, which gave rise to several exhibitions that extended his reputation internationally. He is best known for his monumental works, including the fresco at Riyadh International Airport (1986), the portrait of Nelson Mandela for the concert-event at Wembley stadium in England (1988), and others.