2014
Old Friends and a Lady With Two Hearts
A commissioned painting of an evening at La Closerie, Tunis, with Sofyen Habibi, his wife Mariem and Khaled Jnifen. The news of Mariem’s pregnancy gives the work its title. After Sofyen’s death on 10 March 2024, the painting also became a record of a friendship.
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In the artist’s words
The story behind the painting
The original account is preserved below, including its wording and historical collection notes.
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About the painting
One of the very rare commissioned paintings, 'Old Friends and a Lady With Two hearts' depicts a night out with three friends at La Closerie Tunis.
This evening wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Sofyen Habibi’s commitment to good life and friendship. Sofyen is an old friend from school and our friendship dates back to the early 90s. I had the pleasure to reconnect with him during my 2013 break in Tunis. Sofyen made sure he brought his gracious wife and both of them told us (Khaled Jnifen and I) about Mariem’s pregnancy.
This is a generous painting, I didn't want it to be subtle and even included the name of the wine we shared that night. The strokes were honest, almost out of control, just like the way our evening unfolded.
Sofyen passed away on the 10th of March 2024.
Medium: Oil on Unprimed Canvas
Measurements: 120x70cm
Belong's to Sofyen's family
Why it was painted
My mates and I had a great time and I didn't mind being commissioned as I would have painted this scene anyway as part of my relentless effort to immortalise good times.
Having suddenly lost Sofyen in 2024, this painting is a living proof that capturing great memories and good times is essential.