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      Atelier · Est. 2015 · Paris, Frankrig
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      Catalogue entry

      Also sprach Allah

      2008. Black and White Photography. La Biennale di Venezia.

      Fig. 1. Adel Abdessemed, Also sprach Allah, 2008. Shown as the reproduction you are specifying: , .

      § 1Catalogue data

      § 2Abstract

      Beskrivelse af samlerobjektet

      Adel Abdessemed's 'Also Sprach Allah' is a haunting exploration of violence and faith through unsettling imagery—a carpet inscribed with disturbing words, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

      Kunstnerbiografi

      Adel Abdessemed is a contemporary Algerian-French artist known for provocative sculptures, animations & installations exploring violence, identity, and cultural tension. His work challenges perceptions & sparks dialogue.

      § 3Commentary

      A Haunting Encounter with Faith and Violence

      In the provocative landscape of contemporary art, few works command attention with such visceral intensity as Adel Abdessemed’s Also sprach Allah. Created in 2008, this piece serves as a profound meditation on the intersection of religious fervor and the specter of global conflict. The work does not merely present an image; it presents a confrontation. Through a masterful use of unsettling imagery, Abdessemed invites the viewer into a space where the sacred and the profane collide, forcing an immediate emotional response that lingers long after the initial encounter. The piece functions as a mirror to our modern anxieties, reflecting the tensions that simmer beneath the surface of contemporary political and religious discourse.

      The visual language of the work is deeply rooted in Abdessemed’s unique ability to repurpose familiar cultural symbols to evoke profound discomfort. By utilizing elements that suggest both ritualistic sanctity and the raw edges of violence, the artist creates a tension that is almost tactile. The composition draws the eye into a complex web of meaning, where every detail—from the textures of the materials used to the starkness of the presentation—contributes to an atmosphere of high alert. For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers more than mere decoration; it provides a powerful intellectual anchor, a conversation starter that demands presence and reflection within any curated space.

      Symbolism and the Weight of History

      To understand Also sprach Allah, one must delve into the biographical and historical currents that flow through Abdesselem’s oeuvre. Born in Algeria, an environment shaped by the complexities of identity and the scars of political struggle, the artist brings a heavy sense of memory to his practice. The title itself—a play on Nietzsche’s Also sprach Zarathustra—suggests a divine or prophetic declaration, yet it is stripped of traditional comfort. Instead, it points toward a reality where faith is inextricably linked to the materialization of conflict.

      The symbolism within the work often utilizes materials that carry their own historical weight. Abdessemed frequently employs textures that evoke both the domestic and the industrial, much like his use of barbed wire or terra cotta in other seminal works. In this piece, the interplay between the concept of a sacred text or object and the underlying threat of destruction creates a powerful metaphor for the fragility of peace. It is an exploration of how ideologies can be both a source of profound spiritual connection and a catalyst for devastating physical upheaval. This duality makes the work an essential study in the psychological residue left by history's most turbulent eras.

      An Essential Addition to the Contemporary Collection

      For those seeking to curate a collection that transcends the superficial, Abdessemed’s work offers an unparalleled depth of narrative. A high-quality reproduction of Also sprach Allah allows for the appreciation of its stark, monochromatic intensity and its complex emotional layers. The piece is particularly suited for environments that value intellectual rigor and avant-garde aesthetics—spaces where art is intended to challenge, provoke, and inspire deep thought.

      Integrating such a powerful work into an interior design scheme requires a bold vision. It serves as a centerpiece of gravity, capable of anchoring a room with its somber elegance and historical resonance. Whether placed in a private gallery or a sophisticated contemporary living space, the reproduction maintains the artist's uncompromising vision, bringing the haunting beauty of Abdessemed’s exploration of exile, identity, and memory into the heart of the home. It is an investment in a piece of contemporary history, capturing a moment of profound cultural reflection that remains as relevant today as it was at its inception.

      Spørgsmål og svar

      Kan jeg se "Also sprach Allah" af Adel Abdessemed under forskellig belysning?

      "Also sprach Allah" kan undersøges lag for lag på værkets Røntgenoptagelse-side, en interaktiv viewer inspireret af en konservators lysbænk med elleve optiske lag af billedet.

      Hvilket rum passer bedst til "Also sprach Allah" af Adel Abdessemed, når man ser på dets farver?

      Med sin Earthy farvepalette anbefales "Also sprach Allah" af Adel Abdessemed til et Living Room. Farverne er en del af årsagen til denne anbefaling.

      Er farverne i "Also sprach Allah" af Adel Abdessemed livlige eller dæmpede?

      Farverne i "Also sprach Allah" af Adel Abdessemed fremviser en Subtle Color mætning med en Monochromatic intensitet.

      § 4The artist

      Adel Abdessemed

      Adel Abdessemed

      1971 - , Algeria

      Quick facts about Adel Abdessemed

      • Artistic Movement Or Style: Contemporary
      • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Zinedine Zidane']
      • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
        • Raï music
        • Ahmed Asselah
      • Date Of Birth: 1971
      • Full Name: Adel Abdessemed
      • Nationality: Algerian-French
      • Notable Artworks:
        • Cri Cri
        • Also sprach Allah
        • Sphere I
      • Place Of Birth: Constantine, Algeria

      Kunstnerbiografi

      Adel Abdessemed: A Sculptor of Violence and Memory

      Born in Constantine, Algeria, in 1971, Adel Abdessemed’s artistic journey is inextricably linked to the turbulent history of his homeland. Raised amidst the rugged landscapes of the Aurès Mountains – a region scarred by conflict and cultural suppression – he developed an acute awareness of violence, both personal and political. This formative experience profoundly shaped his approach to art, transforming it into a potent vehicle for confronting uncomfortable truths and challenging conventional notions of beauty and representation. His work isn’t merely about depicting brutality; it's about excavating the psychological and emotional residue left in its wake, forcing viewers to confront their own complicity and consider the lasting impact of trauma.

      Early Life and Artistic Formation

      Abdessemed’s childhood was marked by a stifling atmosphere of cultural censorship under Algerian President Houari Boumédiène. The imposition of Arabic as the sole language of instruction in schools, coupled with the suppression of Berber traditions and identity, created an environment where artistic expression became a rare and precious commodity. Despite these constraints, Abdessemed found refuge in the École régionale des beaux-arts in Batna, a space that fostered creativity and provided a vital outlet for his burgeoning talent. He continued his studies at the École supérieure des beaux-arts in Algiers before fleeing Algeria in 1994, disillusioned by escalating political violence and the threat to his personal safety. This exodus marked a pivotal moment, propelling him towards France – a country that would become both a sanctuary and a source of inspiration.

      A Transnational Artistic Practice

      France offered Abdessemed the freedom to develop his artistic vision without the constraints he had experienced in Algeria. He enrolled at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts in Lyon, embracing a diverse range of media – animation, installation, performance, sculpture, and video – often blurring the boundaries between these disciplines. His early work was characterized by a raw intensity and a willingness to tackle taboo subjects, including religious extremism, sexual violence, and the legacy of war. He spent time in Berlin and London before settling in Paris, establishing a studio that became a hub for experimentation and collaboration. This nomadic existence – moving between continents and cultures – profoundly influenced his artistic perspective, fostering a cosmopolitan sensibility and a deep understanding of global interconnectedness.

      Key Works and Recurring Themes

      Abdessemed’s oeuvre is punctuated by several iconic works that have garnered significant attention. *Cri Cri* (2003), a haunting installation featuring a life-sized bronze sculpture of a young girl holding a severed head, powerfully evokes the trauma of war and the devastating impact on civilian populations. *Also Sprach Allah* (2006) – a series of photographs depicting scenes of violence in Algeria – confronts viewers with the brutal realities of political conflict. The monumental *Headbutt* (2012), a recreation of Zinedine Zidane’s infamous gesture during the 2006 World Cup Final, transforms a seemingly trivial sporting event into a potent symbol of aggression and uncontrolled rage. Beyond these specific images, Abdessemed consistently explores themes of identity, cultural tension, and the relationship between violence and representation. His work often juxtaposes familiar imagery with unsettling details, creating a sense of unease and prompting viewers to question their own assumptions about the world.

      Critical Reception and Legacy

      Adel Abdessemed’s art has been met with both acclaim and controversy. Critics have praised his willingness to confront difficult subjects, his innovative use of materials, and his ability to evoke powerful emotional responses. However, his work has also faced criticism for its graphic imagery and perceived exploitation of suffering. Despite these debates, Abdessemed remains a significant figure in contemporary art, recognized for his unflinching honesty and his commitment to challenging the status quo. His sculptures, installations, and videos serve as potent reminders of the ongoing violence that plagues our world and invite us to engage with the complexities of human experience.

      His work is represented in numerous international collections, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Magasin de Grenoble. Currently, Abdessemed is involved in a major project for the Geneva Opera House, further solidifying his position as an artist deeply engaged with the cultural landscape of our time.

      § 5Comparanda

      § 6Questions

      Hurtige fakta

      • Artistic style: Contemporary art
      • Notable elements or techniques: Inscribed carpet with disturbing words
      • Artist: Adel Abdessemed

      Kunstquiz

      Der er kun ét korrekt svar på hvert spørgsmål.

      Spørgsmål 1:
      What is the primary theme explored in Adel Abdessemed’s ‘Also Sprach Allah’?
      Spørgsmål 2:
      In the video component of ‘Also Sprach Allah’, what action is Adel Abdessemed performing?
      Spørgsmål 3:
      The artwork references Nietzsche's *Thus Spoke Zarathustra*. What does this reference primarily symbolize?
      Spørgsmål 4:
      What material is predominantly used in the construction of ‘Also Sprach Allah’?
      Spørgsmål 5:
      Considering Abdessemed's background in Algeria, how might his personal experiences influence the artwork’s themes?

      § 7Cite this entry

      AllPaintingsStore.com, “Adel Abdessemed, Also sprach Allah (2008)”, https://allpaintingsstore.com/da/art/adel-abdessemed-also-sprach-allah-D4MSP9-en/ArtistReproduction/ (accessed 2 oktober 2026).

      § 8The reproduction

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      It is specified on the order sheet in the margin; the present state of that sheet reads as follows.

      Also sprach Allah

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