Le Violon Bleu opened its doors in Tunisia in 2003 at the initiative of Essia Hamdi, she started her journey in the art world as an antique dealer over 40 years ago. Her career begin with selling and collecting ottoman perfume bottles to relatives and close friends before meeting with one of the pioneer of the Ecole de Tunis Aly Bellagha with whom she was taught the art of antique dealing. In 1985 she opened her first antique gallery called “ Atyqa “, and over the years the gallery has become a reference and specialist for showcasing Islamic art and rare antiques pieces.
Le Violon Bleu gallery is situated in the prestigious blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said, with exceptional views of Carthage and the Mediterranean Sea. The gallery is one of the leading destination for modern art from Tunisia and the Arab world, playing a central role in putting Arab artist on the map of international art scene.
The gallery has taken on an integral role in establishing and developing the careers of key artist from the Arab world such as Farid Belkahia, Aly Bellagha, Anderazek Sehli, Rafik El Kamel or Aly Ben Salem, launching pioneer solo exhibitions, gaining global exposure through participation in international exhibitions and art fairs around the world.
The gallery continues to present its artist to global audiences, presenting ambitious solo shows in its Sidi Bou Said space and facilitating acquisitions by notable collections, foundations and major museums such as Guggenheim musuem, British museum, Maccal Marrakech, Mathaf Qatar, Sharja museum and many others.