Formed at the Haute École des Arts du Rhin (HEAR), Ouissem Moalla (born in 1990 in Stockholm) explores themes of space and memory in his work, drawing inspiration from the research of historian Frances A. Yates. He draws from popular and literary culture, myths, and major texts, with language as a recurring thread. This takes shape through performances, installations, and paintings in which he questions space, our relationship to places, cosmogony, and beliefs.

Whether in Mulhouse, where his studio is located, or during residencies (Motoco&co Tokyo 2018; CEEAC - Basis E.v. Frankfurt 2023; Villa Salammbô Institut français Tunisia 2024), he works with the remnants of industrial ruins (G.O.L.D, 2017), explores myths and representations of urban gateways (Impressions d’Espaces, 2024), wanders around a Shinto shrine carrying chairs strapped to his back to form the character 目 (mù / eye) (Monkey, 2018), or reinterprets mystical texts by intertwining language and the body (Clavis Tabula, 2023). His work, enriched by multicultural influences, flirts with the human and social sciences, questioning archives and communities.

Ouissem Moalla classifies his works into «series», each forming a universe that he continuously expands with new projects exploring the same themes.

Institut français Annaba 2026

Research projects of a residency at the French Institut of Algeria in Annaba.

“La Grande Bleue”, 2026

Thin colored plastic film and airflow source,

300x300x100 cm.

The project was carried out during an artist residency in the city of Annaba, Algeria. These thin plastic tablecloths, printed with colored stripes, are used in the catering and events sectors. They are laid on tables after first being sprayed with water and are sometimes placed directly on the ground. Their frequent use makes them a recurring motif in Annaba’s urban landscape.

This installation refers to the restaurants lining the port. One can observe restaurateurs regularly spreading these tablecloths over outdoor tables while a strong wind characteristic of coastal areas blows. The blue stripes stirred by the wind during the brief moment they are suspended in the air ripple and echo both the churning sea and the sky. The red stripes with their flamboyant appearance merge with the bustle of urban life.

“Le Rouge”, 2026

Thin colored plastic film on a metal frame, print on paper and airflow source,

250x200x50 cm.

The present installation refers to the "Ras El Hamra" cave in Annaba, (meaning Red Promontory). It is a cult site where religious ceremonies are performed. Due to its geographical location and its history, local folklore and popular beliefs have turned it into a place charged with mystery.

Upon entering the cave, the visitor is confronted with a sacrificial altar integrated into the rock wall. Above it, black traces suggest the bust of an anthropomorphic figure gazing at the visitor. A cavity at the level of the mouth contains traces of offerings.

The light and peaceful exterior of the cave, nestled on a promontory and surrounded by the sea and the blue sky, contrasts sharply with the heavy atmosphere inside the red granite cave and with the persistent gaze of the figure emerging from the rock wall.