The in French language published book “Les Fondateurs” is part of a series of works dedicated to Algerian painting by the author of the famous Encyclopedia of Algerian Poetry in the French Language, 157 Poets, 1930-2008, published in 2009. Other titles include: The Figure and its Presence, Abstraction and Avant-garde, The Sign, Naive Art, Miniature and Illumination. The Algerian Painting series covers all genres and styles, from the most classical to the most avant-garde, presenting all the great Algerian artists. From Khadda to Issiakhem, including Baya, Guermaz, Bourdine, Nezzar, Mokrani, Nedjai, Martinez, Larbi, Khimoune, Belkhorissat, Bettina, or Ziani. Each of these books begins with an in-depth introduction that addresses the aesthetic aspects and historical context of plastic creation in Algeria. From rock art and prehistoric art, through Orientalists and the first artists of Algerian origin—such as Mammeri, Hemche, Boukerche, Khadda, Issiakhem, and the Aouchem group—to painters who emerged in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and even 2000s.

The work Les Fondateurs presents the twenty-six Algerian artists who began practicing easel painting at the beginning of the twentieth century. Ali Ali-Khodja, Jean-Michel Atlan, Abdellah Benanteur, Miloud Boukerche, Mohamed Bouzid, Abdelkader Guermaz, Abdelhalim Hemche, M’Hamed Issiakhem, Mohamed Khadda, Mohamed Louail, Azwaw Mammeri, Choukri Mesli, Mohamed Temam, Abderahmane Sahouli, Mohamed Zmirli, as well as European-born Algerians Dinet, Jean De Maisonseul, Maria Manton, and Louis Nallard.

Ali El Hadj Tahar, an Algerian journalist and art critic, played an essential role in promoting Algerian artists and culture during his service at the Ministry of Culture in Algiers. His English Literature studies at the University of Algiers laid the foundations for an exceptional career. In 1974, he began collaborating with francophone newspapers, including Alger Réalités, Algérie-Actualité, and El Moudjahid. In 1984, he became a professional journalist at Révolution Africaine, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in various newspapers and magazines, specializing in art criticism. His contributions include numerous studies on art, culture, cities, and society, as well as portraits of poets and writers. He also played a key role in shedding light on the life and work of many Algerian visual artists. Ali El Hadj Tahar is also a painter and poet, adding a creative dimension to his rich career.

The book was created in co-operation with AYN Gallery.