Mahjoub Ben Bella’s son tells us about his father: ‘He could transform negative energy into brilliant art’ – The National

Mahjoub Ben Bella’s son tells us about his father: ‘He could transform negative energy into brilliant art’ – The National

He definitely believed in his art and in working hard, and advised me to work 10 times harder than others'









































An image of Algerian artist Mahjoub Ben Bella in 1987. Nadjib Ben Bella







Mahjoub Ben Bella in Paris in 1970. Nadjib Ben Bella







Mahjoub Ben Bella poses in front of his work in Paris in 1971. Nadjib Ben Bella







Mahjoub Ben Bella in Tourcoing in 1980 where he studied. Nadjib Ben Bella







Mahjoub Ben Bella in Paris painting 'L'Envers du Nord' using the roadway for Paris-Roubaix in 1986. Nadjib Ben Bella







Mahjoub Ben Bella at a show in 1991. Nadjib Ben Bella







An image of Mahjoub Ben Bella painting in 2012. Serge Deleu







Mahjoub Ben Bella in 2015. Hubert Van Maele



















Nadjib Ben Bella, son of the Algerian artist who died last month, shares with Myrna Ayad his father's process of releasing emotion through creative expression. This first-person account is based on their interview.



Amid blaring musical medleys that ranged