An Insight Into Ennif Museum With the Algerian Self-Taught Artist, Ahmed Helaili
Art in Algeria has been growing year after year with gifted and often neglected artists; whose art reflects greatly on their daily lives, be it political, psychological, or societal. Among these artists is the original, talented, and enthusiastic Ahmed Halaili; who has been devoting his passion for fine arts, in various methods, in order to convey his own ideology. We can see how the production of the art turns into perfection and consistency; however, our knowledge is very limited about the motive behind it.
Therefore, this interview was conducted with Ahmed best known as “Ennif”; in order to know slightly about him as an individual also to understand his personal views on his artistry works.
What can you tell us about yourself? Who is the artist behind Ennif?
Ahmed Helaili, 23 years old, I have a master’s degree in urban planning from UBMA; now I’m working as a teacher, also I’m a self-taught artist aka @ennif.museum on Instagram.
When and how did your art start?
I’m a self-taught artist, actually I wanted to attend the institute of fine arts in Annaba, but I didn’t, because I have a friend of mine who studies there and let’s say that I don’t really like to be imprisoned; in other words, I don’t like to be a brick in the wall, and that never means that the institute is useless, but it is just me, I like to be more free.
Describe your definition of Ennif?
I’ll try to, well Ennif is: as a close expression of what has been going on in Algeria for years; it’s the reaction that comes after putting a human being in a position that is contrary to its principles, so that he ceases anything that scratches or touches his principles, his pride and his respect. I think that’s it
We see different types of products in your art. Drawing, painting, collaging, sculpting…etc. Do you see yourself orienting only to one area among them?
As I said before, I hate to be limited, for that I use many mediums to express my absolute ideas, also because every medium has its own properties to illustrate the main idea.
In your opinion, how art is important to your society?
Three words: Witness, Reminder, Mirror.
Algeria is very included in your art. Do you get inspiration from your country? And do you consider your art as a self-expressing medium?
Naturally, Ennif as a concept is included in the Algerian mentality, so, my works reflect this mentality with all its elements and details. I’d like to say ‘’Ennif is Algerian’’ on some levels.
And absolutely yes, the human always likes to objectify his ideas and even his faith. For instance, in Christianity they believe that the crossed man there is a kind of mediator; it’s the same for me, and Ennif is a social phenomenon that I objectified in a nose.
Do you believe in Algerian artistic potentials? Does your country support young artists, or is it being neglected?
My answer is: originality … I’m not going to call a person who copies Van Gogh paintings or other famous artworks, an artist; a craftsman or something maybe, but not an artist. The originality is all that made the Algerian art stand, in the past, now, which is what will make in the front of the African art scene in the near future.
As for the support, well I really don’t know, the Algerian algorithm is too hard to understand so I’ll pass that part of the question.
Does social media help your artwork grow more?
No…not much
Did you always want to be an artist?
Not through painting, but I have always had that idea of creativity, especially in terms of architecture, but I like things the way they are now.
What art accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
I think I’ll choose the artwork : Ennif is Immortal- النيف خالد, because I think it is one of my artworks that I’ve been able to translate or objectify in a more perfect way than my other works.
Are we going to see you collaborating with other artists in the future?
Of course, there will be a lot…; but in fact, I like collaborations that take a lot of time to prepare for talking and getting to know other parties…
What is one lesson you would share with us that took your art career to the next level? Any advice to young beginner artists?
Originality, and to young beginner artists, Algeria is full of copycats, imitate but don’t copy be original.
Finally, where do you see yourself ten years from now? What is your goal with art?
To be honest, I do this just because I like to do it. I don’t see a future for me as an artist; maybe some of my work will have a future. But I think when that time comes, I’ll be in my studio making new artworks, maybe with my kids or something, I guess I won’t be in front…who knows… maybe I’ll change my mind, even though it’s almost impossible.
