Interview by Philippe Dagen, 9 August 2025
Hamid Khellafi, born in 1982 into a Kabyle family living in France, opened his own gallery in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in 2024, which quickly attracted attention. In 2025, he dedicated his entire programme to some twenty artists of Algerian origin, to give visibility to a vibrant but rarely showcased scene.
His career has been marked by obstacles linked to racism and his name, but also by decisive support, particularly from the major auction houses. The idea for this ‘Algerian season’ came to him after discovering the energy and creativity of a new generation of artists in Algiers. In his gallery, he rejects any notion of exoticism, stating that he simply wishes to present these artists in a professional and open setting, whilst maintaining his independence.
