Hassan Soufy: Art as a Legacy of Care
"With the passing of Hassan Soufy, we remember not only a visionary artist of the School of Tunis but also a bridge between culture, heritage, and humanity whose work will continue to inspire generations."
Art has always been a bridge between generations, cultures, and human stories. Today, I would like to highlight the work of Hassan Soufy, an important artist associated with the School of Tunis, one of the most significant artistic movements in North Africa during the 20th century.
Hassan Soufy emerged as part of the later generation of artists connected to the School of Tunis during the 1970s. This artistic movement played a fundamental role in shaping a modern Tunisian visual identity, blending traditional cultural symbols with contemporary artistic language. Soufy’s work reflects this dialogue between heritage and modernity, demonstrating a deep sensitivity to colour, form, and cultural narrative.
Recently, I had the privilege of presenting one of Hassan Soufy’s works to a close collector and friend. The acquisition carried a meaning that extended far beyond art collecting. The artwork was sold in support of a charitable initiative dedicated to helping women access specialised medical equipment designed to help prevent foetal malformations.
This initiative was supported through the Rotary Club, whose humanitarian projects continue to create meaningful and tangible social impact. I strongly believe that art should not exist solely within galleries or private collections but should also serve as a force for care, solidarity, and social responsibility.
Moments like these reaffirm my conviction that art has the power to transcend aesthetics. It can create connections, support communities, and contribute to the preservation of human dignity. By placing Hassan Soufy’s work within this philanthropic context, the gesture becomes not only an artistic exchange but also a contribution to a larger humanitarian purpose.
As an art dealer, curator, and artist, I remain committed to supporting artistic heritage while fostering initiatives that use culture as a platform for positive change. Supporting artists such as Hassan Soufy allows us to honour important artistic legacies while also building meaningful connections between art, collectors, and humanitarian engagement.
Art, when guided by intention and care, becomes more than an object — it becomes a living testimony of shared humanity.
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"Hassen Souty... un nom qui resonne comme une derniere lumière de l'École de Tunis, un souffle d'authenticite et de fidélité à l'âme de l'art. Tu étais bien plus qu'un grand peintre: un ami sincère, fidèle, profondément humain.
Je me souviens de ces moments précieux au café, en face du fort de Hammamet... Des heures à refaire le monde, à parler d'art avec passion, à imaginer des projets culturels portés par la même foi dans la beauté et la transmission.
Ces instants suspendus restent gravés comme des tableaux vivants.
Tu étais de ceux qui agissent autant qu'ils créent.
L'exposition La Femme à la rose, que j'ai eu l'honneur de diriger, portait en elle ton esprit : délicatesse, engagement et profondeur. Et cette vente d'une œuvre caritative en faveur des femmes, pour prévenir les malformations du fœtus, témoigne de ton immense générosité et je suis fière d'y avoir pu participer. Ton art n'était jamais isolé du monde, il en était une réponse, une main tendue.
Aujourd'hui, tu nous as quittés, mais ton empreinte demeure. Dans chaque toile, dans chaque souvenir, dans chaque projet que tu as inspiré, tu continues de vivre. Tu étais un grand artiste, mais surtout un homme rare.
Repose en paix, cher ami. Ton héritage ne s'éteindra pas.
Allah Yarhmek ou Inaamek Mon grand Ami, grand Artiste"
Fatma Koraïchi
