Adjudant-chef Housseim Karie Elmi (2017) Sculpture by Nacera Kaïnou

Nacera Kaïnou is a contemporary French artist whose creative journey has been marked by an unwavering exploration of matter, thickness, and the density of life. Born with an innate passion for the arts, Nacera embarked on her artistic education at the School of Fine Arts in Besançon, where she delved into the realms of drawing, painting, and engraving. It was during this formative period that her fascination with the tangible aspects of existence began to shape her artistic vision.

The transition to sculpture proved pivotal for Nacera, providing a medium through which she could finely balance the tensions between form and substance. Her reliefs, characterized by a meticulous study of matter, exhibit a profound understanding of life's intricate dimensions.

At the age of 23, Nacera Kaïnou undertook a transformative journey to the United States, spending three years at the Art Students League of New York. Here, she honed her skills and absorbed the principles of sculpture, further enriching her artistic repertoire.

For the past three decades, Nacera has called Paris home, dedicating her artistic endeavors to the exploration of the human and animal form, with a particular focus on portraiture. Her art pieces, resonating with a deep understanding of the human experience, have found homes in numerous countries, including France, China (Beijing, Shanghai), Singapore, Jerusalem, Mauritania, Senegal, and South Korea.

Nacera Kaïnou's contributions to the world of art have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was honored with the title of "Chevalier des Arts et Lettres," recognizing her significant impact on the cultural landscape. In 2014, she was appointed as an Official French War Artist, a testament to the versatility and depth of her artistic expression.

A distinguished member of the European Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, Nacera is also an elected member of the "Maison des Artistes" Committee Executive Board, showcasing her commitment to the artistic community. In 2022, her dedication and contributions were further acknowledged as she received the Gold Medal of Honor for her commitment to the French overseas territories, alongside the prestigious insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.