Biography

Taher Jaoui, born in 1978 in Tunisia and currently based in Madrid, Spain, is a self-taught artist whose abstract expressionist paintings are deeply influenced by his background in computer science and engineering. This unique combination of art and science allows him to create intricate works that explore the intersection of spontaneity and structured complexity.

The concept of building something from a variety of singular elements, which is a direct result of Jaoui’s science background, is a key factor in his approach to the canvas. Jaoui’s ideas about form and composition are rooted in quantum mechanics, not unlike early abstract expressionists. Layering influences from art movements like African tribal art, graffiti, glitch art, and the CoBrA movement, as well as scientific concepts, Jaoui’s paintings are dynamic collages of expressive gestures that merge disparate cultures and ideas. 

Jaoui’s works are constructed through subconscious or automatic process, and often feature abstracted forms, skull-like shapes, and chalkboard scribbles, blending abstraction with hints of figuration. The inclusion of mathematical signs and formulas in his work adds a unique dimension, reflecting his interest in merging logical and creative processes, as well as transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. This approach results in a distinctive blend of rebellion and order, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the energy of his practice.

The mathematical symbols and abstract forms that populate Jaoui’s canvases serve as metaphors for the complexities of life and the interplay between order and chaos. By exploring these themes through a mixture of abstraction and figuration, Jaoui creates a unique visual language that speaks to both the mind and the emotions.