Ridha Bettaieb (1939–1994) was a distinguished Tunisian painter known for his transition from figurative art to pure abstraction. Born in Tunis on January 19, 1939, he graduated from the Tunis School of Fine Arts in 1964 and began exhibiting his work in 1962. Initially exploring figurative and semi-figurative styles, he gradually embraced abstraction, drawing inspiration from traditional Tunisian architecture to express his Mediterranean identity through vibrant colors and forms.

In 1968, Bettaieb won the First Prize of the City of Tunis, marking a turning point in his artistic evolution. His later works focused on light, color, and composition, often incorporating kinetic effects and a distinctive aquamarine mood. At the Paris Cité Internationale des Arts, he experimented with new painting techniques before returning to Tunisia, where he exhibited extensively and gained widespread recognition.

A passionate supporter of the Mahres International Festival for Plastic Arts, he won first prize in 1990. His work was showcased internationally in Algiers, Cairo, São Paulo, and Prague, cementing his legacy in Tunisian modern art.

Bettaieb passed away suddenly in 1994, leaving behind a significant artistic heritage that continues to inspire.

Ridha BETTAÏEB