Baya Mahieddine (1931 - 1998)

Baya Mahieddine

Baya Mahieddine (Arabic: باية محي الدين) or Fatima Haddad (Arabic: فاطمة حداد) was an Algerian artist who is best known for her vibrant and colorful paintings that often featured bold shapes and figures. At the age of sixteen Baya had her first exhibition, in Paris, where she gained notice from renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and André Breton.

Baya's work is often associated with Surrealism, as she was heavily influenced by Breton and other Surrealist artists. However, she also drew inspiration from traditional Algerian art and culture, incorporating elements such as calligraphy and geometric patterns into her work.

Throughout her career, Baya's work was exhibited in Algeria and France, and she received widespread critical acclaim for her unique style and approach to painting. In addition to her paintings, she also created tapestries, ceramics, and other works of art.