“I feel that we are all inspired by our lived experiences. Much of my inspiration comes from encounters and from emotions I have felt, but also from our tangible and intangible cultural heritage-our myths and our history.” Sadok
Gmach.
Born on August 2, 1940, in Tunis where he passed away on August 9, 2024 , Sadok Gmach established himself as an essential figure on the contemporary Tunisian art scene. His work took shape during a pivotal moment following independence, as the country was redefining its cultural identity. From the very beginning, he was part of this momentum of renewal, contributing to the evolution of visual arts and modes of expression.
Starting in 1964, he actively participated in numerous collective exhibitions in Tunisia and abroad, gradually asserting a unique artistic signature. His work, fueled by constant research, developed over the years through a spirit of openness, regularly crossing national borders.
His career was marked by solo exhibitions in several major cities, including Tunis, Paris, Geneva, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. Alongside his artistic production, he played a key role in the organization and development of the Tunisian art world. Notably, he contributed to the creation of influential groups such as the Groupe des Six, the 11 Young Painters, and Groupe 70, helping to structure a scene in the midst of a profound mutation.
His trajectory was also part of an active international network. He took part in major events, including the International Exhibition of Small Formats in Milan (1966), the Paris Biennale (1967 and 1969), and the São Paulo Biennale. His residencies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris and later in West Berlin between 1969 and 1971 represented a particularly fertile period, marked by intense creative activity and increased visibility.
Finally, his commitment was evident in his participation in large-scale events across the Arab world and the Maghreb, including the first National Arab Festival of Plastic Arts in Damascus (1972), as well as the first exhibition of Maghreb artists, presented in Algiers in 1974 and then in Tunis in 1975.
Through Story , an entire life of creation is revealed situated between personal memory and collective history, highlighting Sadok Gmach’s essential place in the evolution of modern art in Tunisia.
