Artist Adel Abdessemed at David Zwirner New York

Born in 1971 in Constantine, Algeria, Adel Abdessemed studied at the École des beaux-arts de Batna and the École des beaux-arts d’Alger, Algiers and the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon. He was an artist-in-residence at the Cité internationale des Arts de Paris in 1999-2000, and the following year at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center’s International Studio Program in Long Island City, New York. He now lives and works in Paris.

Abdessemed’s diverse body of work spans drawing, video, sculpture, and installation. He frequently explores themes of violence, cultural identity, and the human condition, often transforming everyday materials into provocative art pieces. Notable works include “Coup de tête” (2012), a life-size bronze sculpture capturing Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, and “Décor” (2011–2012), featuring life-size sculptures of the crucified Jesus made entirely from razor wire.

In recent years, Abdessemed has participated in several significant exhibitions:

• “An Imperial Message” at Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai (2022): This solo exhibition showcased works that delve into themes of power and parable, reflecting on contemporary societal issues.

• Bangkok Art Biennale (2024–2025): Abdessemed’s work was featured in this international art festival, which ran until February 25, 2025, transforming Bangkok into a vibrant hub of contemporary art.

• “Bas-Relief” at Galerie Aveline | Jean-Marie Rossi, Paris (October 14–December 14, 2024): This exhibition presented a series of new works by Abdessemed, further exploring his engagement with historical and cultural narratives.

Abdessemed’s work continues to challenge and engage audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a significant figure in contemporary art.

Across a wide range of media, artist Adel Abdessemed transforms well-known materials and imagery into charged artistic declarations. The artist pulls freely from myriad sources–personal, historical, social, and political–to create a visual language that is simultaneously rich and economical, sensitive and controversial, radical and mundane.