Ali Guermassi: “The Sharpener”
Here we find the narrative style of Ali Guermassi (1923-1992). The scene takes place in an alley in the Medina where a knife sharpener is busy on his turn, surrounded by passers-by in traditional clothing (chechias, jebbas and sefseris).
Guermassi is the painter of popular everyday life. By immortalizing this street profession which has now disappeared, it bears witness to a warm urban sociability. The red studded doors and paving stones reinforce the historical anchoring of the scene, elevating a simple artisanal gesture to the status of cultural heritage.
Guermassi is the painter of popular everyday life. By immortalizing this street profession which has now disappeared, it bears witness to a warm urban sociability. The red studded doors and paving stones reinforce the historical anchoring of the scene, elevating a simple artisanal gesture to the status of cultural heritage.