"Inspired by the conclusion of colonial empires and the recent events of the Tunisian and Algerian wars, El Mekki’s style became politically charged, reflecting the societal changes of the time."
Born in 1918 in Indonesia to a Tunisian expatriate father and an Indonesian mother of Chinese origins, Elmekki's formative years were spent in Djakarta before his arrival in Tunisia in 1924. He would go on to live and work in Tunisia until his passing in 2003 in Carthage. His artistic journey was undoubtedly influenced by the exposure he received during the French protectorate in Carthage, a period that contributed to his prolific body of work and mastery of diverse techniques.
Characteristic of his technique was a fusion between impressionist landscapes and depictions of poverty, a merging born from his formal training and the psychological impact of the war period. In a notable twist, he developed his Chinese aquarelle technique despite being unaware of his Chinese heritage. Inspired by the conclusion of colonial empires and the recent events of the Tunisian and Algerian wars, El Mekki’s style became politically charged, reflecting the societal changes of the time.
Elmekki, recognized as an engaged artist, consciously chose not to align himself with any singular ideological movement and steadfastly resisted being swayed by radical thinking. Like his contemporaries, he portrayed events that resonated deeply with him through his unique artistic lens. He posed questions about the tangible physical and emotional toll inflicted by war and exile. Elmekki's extensive body of work has garnered global acclaim and left an indelible mark on the art world. His contributions paved the way for subsequent generations of Tunisian contemporary artists. His works have been exhibited extensively across countries including Egypt, the USA, the UK, Germany, Korea, and China. A remarkable testament to his talent is seen in his creation of 450 postage stamps for Tunisia and various other countries