Remembering Hassen Soufy: “La Femme à la Rose” at Galerie Saladin
On March 25, 2017, the charming Galerie Saladin in Sidi Bou Saïd, Carthage, welcomed art lovers for the vernissage of Hassen Soufy’s long-awaited exhibition, “La Femme à la Rose.” After years away from the public eye, the celebrated Tunisian artist, a distinguished member of the École de Tunis, returned to captivate audiences with a stunning collection of thirty-five works where femininity and nature gracefully intertwine.
The opening gathered a carefully curated audience of artists, journalists, critics, politicians, ambassadors, filmmakers, photographers, and gallery owners—all long-time admirers and friends of Galerie Saladin. Soufy welcomed guests alongside Ridha Souabni, founder and director of the gallery, in what was a day filled with beauty, reflection, and celebration of art.
In this exhibition, women emerge as central figures of beauty and sensuality—whether depicted as bathers, adorned with roses, or caught in moments of romantic reverie. Soufy’s subtle palette paints landscapes that range from forests of blue and mimosas to flowering fields, summer seascapes, and fruit-laden orchards. These settings do more than frame the figures—they enter into a dialogue with them, creating a serene, contemplative experience for the viewer. Flowers, waves, and landscapes become as expressive as the women themselves, echoing the sensibility and depth of Soufy’s vision.
Speaking to Jetset Magazine in 2017, Soufy shared that preparing a personal exhibition is never simple. The resulting works, however, reflected the careful dedication and mastery that made him a cherished figure in Tunisian contemporary art.
This week, we bid farewell to Hassen Soufy, a brilliant artist and a dear friend to many, including Fatma Koraichi. His passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in the world of Tunisian art, but his paintings—full of grace, sensuality, and a profound love for nature—remain timeless. Soufy’s “La Femme à la Rose” continues to remind us of his extraordinary talent and the beauty he brought into the world.
Rest in peace, Hassen Soufy. Your art, your spirit, and your friendship will always endure.
Watch the Vernissage Video here
Read the Article in jetsetmagazine.net
