In the Algerian city of Setif, a horse statue in gold and black stands on a base in the workshop of Algerian Artist Walid Tribeche. A thorough look at the statue helps reveal a weird secret…this amazing artwork is completely made of nuts, nails, and scrap metal, according to Reuters.
After two decades of working as a blacksmith, Tribeche transformed his workshop into an atelier where he can express his artistic ideas with a magical touch. The former blacksmith uses scrap metal disposed of by car maintenance workshops, recycles them, and uses them as contemporary art tools to make various forms of art pieces.
“I started my life as a blacksmith, but with time, metal became so expensive, so I started creating artworks using recycled scrap metal. I recycle all types of metal waste and use them in my artistic creations as you can see,” he said.
“I make a living from these artworks and the turnout is good. First, the demand was slow because it’s an unfamiliar type of art, but now, customers are ordering my works to decorate their houses and stores. The results are satisfying because people are liking the pieces I create,” Tribeche explained. He also said he dreams of extending his work abroad and taking part in international exhibitions.
“It’s contemporary art that helps preserve the environment. It could also help boost the national economy by exporting these artworks to bring in foreign currency, or partaking in international exhibitions,” he added. Like almost all industries, crafts have been deeply affected by the pandemic, but the Algerian artist continues his work, hoping for better days.
“All types of craftsmanship have been affected really hard in Algeria during the pandemic. The turnout is much lower, and many people are unemployed, but we have to keep working until the situation improves,” he concluded.
