Tunisian olive garden turned into studio by Hassan Hajjaj

Tunisian calligraphy artist eL Seed hosts an exclusive solo exhibition by Hassan Hajjaj at his olive oil farm, Tacapae, in Gabes, Tunisia: a unique place where art and olives come together.

Each year, eL Seed hosts the Tacapae Harvest at his farm in the Temoula olive grove: a special gathering to mark the start of the olive oil season. Last October, the first edition brought together artists, chefs, and creatives for a week of collaboration, connection, and cultural exchange.

At the heart of it all was Hassan Hajjaj, who transformed the olive grove into an open-air studio. His photographs, shot over the course of the event, capture the vibrant spirit of the gathering, featuring the women cultivators of the land, family, and creatives

“Hassan and I have been friends for years. I invited him to experience life on the farm and he turned the farm into a studio. Now, those portraits are on view in the middle of the field. Hassan told me it’s one of his favorite shows ever. Being surrounded by nature made it truly special for him.”

Now, a half year later, the results of this week are shown at the farm: portraits by Hassan Hajjaj capturing the vibrant spirit of Tacapae’s first harvest gathering. These are the results.

“People are really happy. Especially the farmers, who were proud to see themselves in the portraits. The works are displayed right in the middle of the fields, with paths carved through the plants.” – eL Seed