Aly Ben Salem (1910–1996) was a pioneering Tunisian artist born in Kalaa Al-Kebira. He studied at the Tunis School of Fine Arts, becoming the first Tunisian to attend the institution, where he was influenced by Armand Vergeaud. At just 24, he held his first solo exhibition at the Colisée Rotunda in Tunis.

A key figure in revitalizing traditional Tunisian arts, Ben Salem created intricate watercolor depictions of local craftsmen. In 1936, he won the Tunisian Government's Fine Arts Prize and pursued further studies in Paris, where he engaged with intellectuals like André Breton. He later spent over 30 years in Sweden, participating in exhibitions worldwide.

Beyond painting, Ben Salem worked in mosaic, tapestry, and enameled glass, earning numerous accolades, including the title of Grand Officer of Arts and Letters from the Tunisian Government in 1992. His artistic legacy remains a vital part of Tunisia’s cultural heritage.

Aly Ben Salem