When the Land Speaks

A comprehensive introduction to the artists whose paintings, sculptures, photographs and textiles have shaped the cultural landscape in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania. Amidst the wider transformations that shaped North Africa in the mid-twentieth century, artists across the Maghreb developed new visual languages that grappled with cultural identity, political change and the aftermath of colonial rule. This book explores these interconnected histories and their ongoing resonances, highlighting the lives and works of 41 artists, spanning from the late colonial era to the present day. With nearly 200 illustrations, including rare archival images, the book captures the breadth of artistic production across the region, situating the practices of a diverse group of figures within broader movements, such as Pan-Africanism, Pan-Arabism, and Third Worldism. Despite the central role played by artists from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, and the parallel trajectories that have emerged in Libya and Mauritania, their contributions remain insufficiently recognised beyond Francophone and Arab-speaking regions. This vital book addresses this longstanding gap in English-language publications. Featured artists and collectives include the Aouchem Group, Baya, the Casablanca Art School, École de Tunis, Mohammed Khadda, Bouchra Khalili, and Zineb Sedira.