Rashid Al Koraishi

Rachid Koraïchi, born on January 20, 1947, in Ain Beida, Algeria, is a distinguished contemporary artist renowned for integrating Arabic calligraphy into his diverse body of work. Raised in a Sufi family, his art reflects deep spiritual influences, utilizing symbols and scripts from various languages and cultures. Koraïchi's practice spans multiple mediums, including ceramics, textiles, bronze, steel, marble, painting, and printmaking. He often collaborates with local artisans, emphasizing traditional techniques in his creations.

Koraïchi's education began at the École des Beaux-Arts in Algeria, where he studied calligraphy. He furthered his studies in Paris at the École des Arts Décoratifs and the École des Beaux-Arts. His work has been showcased in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Venice Biennale in 1997 and 2001, the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2006, and the British Museum in London in 2006. In 2011, he was awarded the Jameel Prize by the Victoria and Albert Museum for his series "The Invisible Masters," which honors 14 Sufi mystics. His pieces are part of esteemed collections such as the British Museum, the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.

In 2019, Koraïchi initiated "Jardin d'Afrique" in Zarzis, Tunisia—a memorial cemetery dedicated to migrants who perished crossing the Mediterranean. This project underscores his commitment to humanitarian causes, blending art with social consciousness. Koraïchi continues to live and work between Tunisia and France, contributing significantly to the global art scene.