People examined against Mohamed Bourouissa in context
Artist Mohamed Bourouissa Explores Individual Identity in Contemporary Society
Mohamed Bourouissa, an Algerian-born French artist in his early forties, is captivating audiences with his exploration of individual identity in contemporary society. His latest project, "Hands" (2025), is currently on display at the MAST in Bologna as part of the comprehensive solo show “Communautés. Projets 2005–2025”.
In "Hands", Bourouissa's works are printed on plexiglass and placed against a metal grid, offering a snapshot of individualism intertwined with personal ties, which are connected to a social fabric. Works like these look at us and concern us through the eyes and mediation of those who populate them, according to Francesco Zanot, the curator of the exhibition.
Bourouissa's approach highlights the tensions between personal and communal identities, showing individuals as embedded within and responding to their social environments. His work is recognized for tracing how personal narratives and social dynamics interlink, suggesting that individual identity cannot be fully understood outside the societal structures and relationships that form the social fabric.
Throughout his career, Bourouissa has conducted research on contemporary civilization and those who live in its uniqueness and multiplicity. His photographic and artistic works, including major series like Périphérique, Horse Day, Shoplifters, and Hands, often restage or depict social realities that illuminate how identity is shaped within contexts of social tension, community, and belonging.
"Périphérique" (2005-2008), created by Bourouissa after the riots in France's suburbs, portrays the inhabitants of those places where tension and danger often occur. In contrast, the "Horse Day" series (2013-2019) deconstructs the cowboy myth by juxtaposing the practice of dressing and decorating horses with that of modifying cars and pick-ups.
In "Shoplifters" (2014), Bourouissa depicts people caught shoplifting in a supermarket or store, offering a glimpse into the lives of those living on the fringes of society. Each individual, according to Bourouissa, is called upon to play certain roles in society as a unique person who must be respected, considered, listened to, and loved in their many forms.
Bourouissa's work addresses themes such as the city, migration, staging, and conflict, often reflecting the continuous desire of those who have nothing, who cannot have, and want more. Social media is an example of a platform that daily attracts, repels, and reflects this desire.
The exhibition dedicated to Mohamed Bourouissa is hosted by the international cultural and philanthropic institution based on Technology, Art, and Innovation, founded in Bologna in 2013. The show runs until September 28, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of individual identity in contemporary society through the lens of an artist who masterfully captures the interplay between personal ties and the broader social fabric.
Bourouissa's home and studio are located in Gennevilliers, where he continues to create thought-provoking art that inspires and challenges viewers to consider the role of individual identity in the context of society.
The technology-driven institution hosting the exhibition dedicated to Mohamed Bourouissa is based on Art, Technology, and Innovation.Bourouissa's work, which delves into the complexities of individual identity in contemporary society, often employs technology in the form of printing works on plexiglass and placing them against a metal grid.
