Alia Bensliman
opening: April 5 | 3-5pm
Bensliman’s artwork is contemporary art drawing that reflects her view of life and her sentiments about the current state of our society, socio political issues, taboos, religion, relationships, health, and human rights. It is also a depiction of her past experiences and how they have influenced her.
Bensliman’s artwork is also a sort of diary of her everyday life. Bensliman likes to use a combination of intricate lines, shapes and repetitive patterns that she usually enhances with colors, ink, gold and silver paint and watercolors to create the desired textures and intensity mostly on Arches paper.
Bensliman has been interested and attracted to art and drawing since her early childhood. She grew up in Tunisia, North Africa. Tunisia is at a crossroad of eastern and ancient art and cultures on one hand and western contemporary art on the other. Her art reflects a fusion of east and west with a penchant for North African and Amazigh Art.
Bensliman’s goal, through her work, is to intrigue, engage and provoke thought and reflection from the viewers. The intricate level of detail in each piece allows the viewer to discover more details and make new interpretations each time they view the work.
Bensliman’s upbringing in Tunisia places her at a cultural crossroads, enriched by the influences of various civilizations. Tunisia is a historical hub, known for its stunning mosaics and vibrant art scene, which provide a backdrop for her creative journey.
Bensliman’s recent work focuses on indigenous women of North Africa, the Amazigh People, by showcasing their culture, customs, and traditional clothing, jewelry, and body tattoos. She’s currently researching the history and meaning of Amazigh tattoos and symbols.
Bensliman captures this essence in her pieces. Her work often showcases intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient North African art while seamlessly incorporating contemporary themes relevant to today’s discourse. When you step closer to her artwork, you discover layers of meaning—details that inspire curiosity and reflection. Every detail tells a story in Bensliman’s intricate designs.
Bensliman plays a crucial role as an art educator. She has dedicated herself to empowering young creators, particularly in her work with children with special needs in Tunisia. By providing these children with tools for self‐expression, she highlighted the transformative power of art in their lives.
In the U.S., Bensliman continues her mission by emphasizing sustainability in the arts. Since the pandemic, Bensliman started making her own watercolor by extracting pigments from fruits, vegetables and spices. She embraces the practice of sustainable art. Her workshops focus on using recycled materials, showing participants that creativity can thrive with limited resources.These workshops, held at the Greenwood Avenue Farmers Market and the Boys and Girls Club in Trenton, Foundation Academy Charter School, Sprout U School of The Arts, inspire young minds to discover their inner creative voice.
Bensliman participated in several panels in English and French at the Princeton University, The Pennington School, and the Lawrenceville School that focuses on her work and process as an Amazigh woman and focus on indigenous art that was neglected for a long time yet resurfacing after the Arab Spring. Bensliman also participated in panels focused on the importance of art as a healing tool for mental health and invisible illnesses.
Currently, Bensliman teaches at Artworks Trenton, where her enthusiasm for art education shines brightly. She plays a significant role as a member of the Artworks Trenton Community Artist Board, working alongside fellow artists to boost the local art scene. By collaborating on community projects, Bensliman helps foster a sense of unity and creative exploration.
Bensliman is currently in a residency program with The LOTUS Project adding an exciting layer to their season’s events with a very special project.
Bensliman recently finished working on a large scale (300 x 40 ) mural in the East Ward of Trenton that was unveiled this November.
