Description:

Yahia Turki, “Souika Tunis”, gouache, listed Tunisian visual artist.
This watercolor and gouache depicts a vibrant North African street market scene featuring the iconic white domes of the Sidi Mahrez Mosque (or Bab Souika area) in Tunis
Atmospheric street and market scene from Tunis depicting whitewashed architecture, domes, market stalls and figures, executed in a light and restrained colour palette. Gouache on paper, signed and dated 1938.

Origin: Tunisia.
Material: Paper, gouache.
Dimensions: Visual size 42 × 46 cm, total size 60 × 64 cm.
Period: 1938.
Condition: In excellent condition with minor signs of handling.

Bio:
Yahia Turki (1902–1969) is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Tunisian art and is often described as the father of Tunisian painting. He first exhibited at the Salon Tunisien in 1923 and later spent several periods in Paris, where he encountered European modernism. Turki developed a distinctive figurative language centred on Tunisian everyday life, the architecture of the medina, streets, markets and local surroundings. He became a central figure in the École de Tunis and was appointed president of the group in 1956. His work played an important role in the development of modern Tunisian art.