Female Figure Fish and Eyes

Houria Niati, born in 1948 in Khemis Miliana, Algeria, is a contemporary artist based in London since 1977. Her multidisciplinary practice encompasses painting, drawing, installation, video, digital art, poetry, and performance, often integrating live renditions of Arab-Andalusian music. Niati's work critically examines Western representations of North African and Middle Eastern women, challenging orientalist perspectives and colonial narratives. Her installations frequently combine visual art with sound and performance, creating immersive environments that reflect her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences.

Niati's artistic journey began in Algeria, where she worked in community arts before relocating to London. She pursued formal education in fine arts at Croydon College of Art and later earned an MA from Middlesex University. Her breakthrough came with the 1982 installation "No To Torture," a powerful critique of colonial oppression that deconstructed Delacroix's "Women of Algiers." This work was pivotal in launching her career in 1980s London. She participated in the seminal 1983 exhibition "Five Black Women" at the Africa Centre, alongside artists like Lubaina Himid and Sonia Boyce. Over the years, Niati has exhibited internationally, including at the Whitechapel Gallery, the British Museum, and the Venice Biennale. Her 2013 retrospective, "Identity Search," at Conway Hall in London, celebrated three decades of her artistic contributions.

Niati's works are held in prestigious collections, including the British Museum. Her art continues to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of post-colonial narratives, solidifying her position as a significant figure in contemporary art.