The glass artist making Algeria’s art industry a global attraction

He highlights images of profound personalities by transcribing them onto glass. Tazerout’s art gives a different feel, dwelling both on light and darkness.

It’s a new kind of art in the country and Tazerout, under the theme “Eclosion de verre” which translates to “breaking open of glass”, is showcasing this at the Mohamed-Temmam Arts Gallery of the Arts and Culture Establishment in Algeria.

Imploring the chiaroscuro technique, borrowed from classical painting on broken glass, the artist uses small hammers as tools for sculpting and engraving the portraits.

“This technique is quite difficult to master. It also gives a profound result. I try to draw the souls of the face while highlighting the duality between shadow and light,” he told Algerian-based El Moudjahid.

He has a total of 20 works including “Black Panther”, "Glass Teeth", "The Girl with a Pearl Earring", Rouiched", "Aznavour", "Melancholy", "Cat", "Portrait of a Black Woman", "Parrot" and " Mohamed Issiakhem".

Tazerout seeks not only to create unique art but also to create an exceptional experience for patrons of his work.

“I collect photos that inspire me and I transcribe them onto glass, making a few adjustments. I sometimes try to accentuate the shadow and light with acrylic, but the aim is to reach a level where only the glass expresses itself,” El Moudjahid quotes Tazeout.

He intends to explore the landscape with his art.

“The juxtaposition of glass fragments creates a striking visual and emotional duality. Light and dark collide to reveal the depth of every face I depict, every story I tell. Each shard of broken glass is a note in symphony of emotions and each portrait is a unique melody,” he is quoted to have said.

Tazerout has a degree in computer graphics from the National Institute specializing in Graphic Arts and Industries (INSIAG).

The artwork was launched on Saturday, November 11 and will be visible till November 21.