Published May 10, 2024

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Centre d’exposition L’Imagier came to life as Berirouche Feddal’s canvas on May 3, with the opening of his exhibition “The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears.”

From prints to sculptures, the transdisciplinary artist’s work was linked by symbols and memories related to his childhood in Algeria and to his Kabyle heritage, which are the Indigenous people of North Algeria.

At the heart of Feddal’s work was the colour blue, which was described as a sacred guardian in Kabyle culture. Representing hope, serenity, and protection against influences, blue encapsulated the ancestral identity and traditional wisdom of the Amazigh people who reside in the mountains of northern Algeria.

The exhibition took attendees on an intimate journey of self-acceptance that blends past and present, exploring the passage of time and its effects on objects, colours, and symbols. Simultaneously honouring family inspiration and political realities, the works pointed to concepts like climate change, death, and nostalgia.

Using agrarian symbols from Feddal’s personal history and identity, the exhibition called on political as well as religious themes to convey the pain and emotion the artist has experienced in recent years. The pieces drew from the intimate and collective experiences of events like the Arab Spring, Maple Springs, and Algeria’s Hirak protest movement.

Feddal invited attendees to discover his world where blue becomes the emotional vehicle and narrator of a rich, nuanced history, where artistic expression and the fading nature of materials contend with the unforgiving passage of time.

“I hope you will truly experience something between life and death, between melancholy and happiness. Above all, of course, between sacrifice and dignity,” said Feddal.

“The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears” will be showcased at L’Imagier until September 29.

Photo caption: Transdisciplinary artist Berirouche Feddal discusses his work with attendees at the opening of his exhibition “The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears” at L’Imagier.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

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