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Mohamed Bourouissa and the Invisible Powers That Make Us

BBG News

At Bologna’s Fondazione MAST, Mohamed Bourouissa invites us to reflect. In “Communauté,” his largest solo exhibition in Italy yet, the Franco-Algerian artist challenges societal norms through two decades of artistic work. The display combines four of his most significant projects, each a exploration on how individuals maintain their dignity amidst systems that often overlook them.

Bourouissa’s career is predominantly influenced by the stories of people who reside on society’s outskirts. Spanning various mediums, his works delve into the undercurrents of power and identity that govern and mold everyday existence. Notably, his groundbreaking series “Péripherique” (2005-2008) offers a candid depiction of post-riot Paris, utilizing friends, family, and non-actors to create tense and violent scenes with the dramatic compositions reminiscent of 19th-century painting.

In “Horse Day” (2013-2019), the artist highlights Black cowboys in North Philadelphia reclaiming the lore of the American West. By using photographs of horses on car bodies, riders assert their place in a frontier that sought to eliminate them, while carrying tales of resilience and honor. On the other hand, “Shoplifters” (2014) delves into a unique form of portraiture. Using 19 Polaroids, Bourouissa questions the stigma attached to poverty by showcasing items that would typically be considered stolen, such as detergent bottles, egg cartons, and biscuits.

Both works challenge societal norms and stereotypes in their own distinctive ways.

The community also introduces his latest work, titled HANDS (2025). This new series reimagines earlier images as stark, sculptural confrontations. Metal details and fragmented figures suggest themes of power, manipulation, and the absence of human connection in an increasingly watchful society.

Bourouissa’s perspective is neither impartial nor instructive. Instead, it uncovers, questions, and discloses the hidden framework of contemporary existence, driven by the strength in choosing not to avert one’s gaze.

Communauté is now on view in Bologna through September 28.

Fondazione MAST
Via Speranza, 42,
40133 Bologna BO,
Italy

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2025-06-27 00:25

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