ZOUBEIR TURKI (1924-2009)
Tunisian painter and sculptor — emblematic figure of Tunisian modern art
The younger brother of Hédi Turki, Zoubeir Turki is a major figure of 20th-century Tunisian painting. Born in Tunis, he studied at the Zitouna and then at the Institut des Hautes Études de Tunis, while attending the École des Beaux-Arts de Tunis. A French teacher in French schools, he distinguished himself through his social commitment: during the violent events of January 1952, he encouraged his students to strike, which led to his dismissal.
He then went to Sweden and joined the Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where he perfected his artistic practice. Upon his return to Tunis after independence, he established himself as an advocate of figurative expression and quickly became one of the standard-bearers of Tunisian painting, his works acquiring national and international renown.
The younger brother of Hédi Turki, Zoubeir Turki is a major figure of 20th-century Tunisian painting. Born in Tunis, he studied at the Zitouna and then at the Institut des Hautes Études de Tunis, while attending the École des Beaux-Arts de Tunis. A French teacher in French schools, he distinguished himself through his social commitment: during the violent events of January 1952, he encouraged his students to strike, which led to his dismissal.
He then went to Sweden and joined the Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where he perfected his artistic practice. Upon his return to Tunis after independence, he established himself as an advocate of figurative expression and quickly became one of the standard-bearers of Tunisian painting, his works acquiring national and international renown.
Zoubeir Turki also played an important institutional role: he held key positions within the administration of arts and culture, founded the National Union of Plastic Arts of Tunisia (which he presided over until his voluntary departure) and contributed to the creation of the Maghreb Union of Plastic Arts. He also prepared the establishment of the Centre d'Art Vivant du Belvédère in Tunis. His commitment extended to public life: he was elected as a member of parliament and municipal councilor.
Throughout his career, Zoubeir Turki embodied a figurative art rooted in Tunisian culture, reconciling social sensitivity, civic engagement, and pictorial modernity.
Throughout his career, Zoubeir Turki embodied a figurative art rooted in Tunisian culture, reconciling social sensitivity, civic engagement, and pictorial modernity.
Exhibitions
