This petite terracotta sculpture of a child's or woman's head is a captivating piece by Jaber Al Mahjoub, a Tunisian artist closely associated with Art Brut and known for his expressive and unfiltered creative approach. After moving to Paris in the 1980s, Jaber was discovered by Jean Dubuffet, a pioneer of Art Brut, who recognized in Jaber’s work a raw, untrained quality that resonated with the movement’s ethos. Jaber’s paintings and sculptures, marked by their spontaneous, almost childlike forms and vibrant colors, evoke a world that is both personal and universally relatable.

Exhibited at the Salon d'Hiver in 1978 and 1980, Jaber’s art gained recognition for its singular style. His works are now housed in museums dedicated to Art Brut, as well as in prestigious private collections, including the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary, and Outsider Art. Following his death in 2021, Jaber was honored with an outdoor exhibition of his works at the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin in Paris from January to May 2022.

This sculpture, with its bold facial features and vibrant hand-painted details, perfectly reflects Jaber’s emotive style. Its wide eyes, flushed cheeks, and weathered, multi-colored surface give it a captivating presence, embodying the immediacy and authenticity of Art Brut. The color palette and expressive qualities immediately draw attention, showcasing its artistic depth and unique character. The sculpture exudes a sense of vulnerability, balanced by a powerful, unmistakable presence that marks it as a work of genuine artistic significance.