Lost Walls is the story of eL Seed reclaiming his native country’s heritage and history. Born in Paris to Tunisian parents, eL Seed has made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading urban contemporary artists. His art is calligraffiti – a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti and he almost exclusively practices in the public sphere, where his art can be widely enjoyed and appreciated. In 2014, he took a road trip around Tunisia with a small team of photographers and videographers and painted on the walls of cities, old family homes, random structures in the middle of deserted areas and even on the dilapated Star Wars set, which, much to the artist’s chagrin, is still heralded as more important to the cultural history of Tunisia than the ancient Berber castles.
The book is a fascinating insight into this journey and eL Seed’s art as well as the history of the North African country.
Meet the artist and pick up a signed copy of the book on Saturday May 28, 5pm in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi or Sunday May 29, 7.30pm, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. www.elseed-art.com
* aseaman@thenational.ae