Samia Kerkeni - Obsidian Veins

Samia Kerkeni — Obsidian Veins — 2023

Artwork details

Artist: Samia Kerkeni
Born: 1980
Title: Obsidian Veins
Series: Fragments of Light
Year: 2023
Technique: Acrylic and gold pigments on canvas
Dimensions: 90 × 60 × 1 cm
Orientation: Vertical
Classification: Unique original artwork — 1/1
Frame: Not included by default
Signature: Hand-signed by the artist on the front and reverse
Condition: Excellent original studio condition
Certificate of Authenticity: Included, issued by the gallery
Provenance: Artist’s studio — Abstract Art Gallery, Riga
Inventory ID: AAG · SK · OV · 2023 · 001

The artwork

Obsidian Veins is a powerful abstract composition in which Samia Kerkeni explores movement, contrast and the controlled unpredictability of fluid acrylic paint.

Across the vertical 90 × 60 cm canvas, deep obsidian black and midnight blue collide with luminous currents of white, icy blue, violet and rose. Refined gold pigments introduce warmth and mineral luminosity, creating a striking tension between darkness and light.

The composition appears to move continuously. Pigments expand, divide and reconnect like mineral veins travelling through volcanic stone, ocean currents meeting beneath the surface or geological formations observed from above.

The dramatic white passages create the impression of light breaking through darkness. They illuminate the surrounding blues and reveal delicate transitions between colour, transparency and density. The gold pigments are used with restraint, functioning as points of warmth and light that reinforce the mineral character of the work.

From a distance, Obsidian Veins has an immediate, almost monumental presence. Viewed more closely, it reveals intricate fluid contours, cellular structures and successive layers of colour.

The title refers to obsidian, a dark volcanic glass created through the rapid cooling of lava. Here, the mineral becomes a metaphor for transformation: intense natural forces solidified into a surface that is simultaneously dark, reflective and precious.

Entirely handmade, this is a unique original artwork. It is not a print, edition or reproduction. Its fluid patterns and pigment interactions cannot be reproduced identically.

About Samia Kerkeni

Born in 1980, Samia Kerkeni is a contemporary artist whose practice explores matter, colour, texture and movement.

A doctor and researcher in her professional field, she brings a spirit of continuous investigation to her artistic practice. Observation, experimentation and technical precision become inseparable from intuition and emotion.

Inspired by oceans, geological formations, invisible currents and the metamorphoses of matter, Samia creates abstract compositions in which energy appears to circulate freely across the surface.

Her visual language is characterised by deep blues, luminous turquoise tones, brilliant whites and mineral accents. Through careful layering and controlled fluidity, she creates powerful and immersive works that appear constantly in motion.

Each composition develops through a patient process, layer by layer and gesture by gesture. Pigments interact naturally while the artist controls their direction, rhythm and overall balance.

“Matter is never still. It holds the memory of the gesture, the light and the emotion that brought it into being.”
— Samia Kerkeni

Samia Kerkeni is represented by Abstract Art Gallery, Riga.

Authenticity and provenance

The artwork comes directly from the artist and is presented by Abstract Art Gallery, Riga.

It is hand-signed by Samia Kerkeni on the front and reverse. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by the gallery accompanies the artwork.

Provenance:

Samia Kerkeni’s studio
Abstract Art Gallery, Riga
Private collector acquiring the artwork through Catawiki

Gallery inventory number:

AAG · SK · OV · 2023 · 001

Condition

The artwork is in excellent original studio condition and has never been restored.

Fluid contours, pigment variations, cellular formations and subtle surface irregularities are intentional characteristics of the artist’s handmade technique and form part of the artwork’s authenticity.

Complimentary presentation options

The collector may choose the preferred presentation and delivery method directly through Catawiki messaging.

Option 1 — Professional telescopic tube

The canvas is delivered unmounted in a strong professional telescopic tube, provided free of charge. It is carefully protected with suitable surface paper before being placed inside the tube.

This is the default shipping option and allows the collector to choose the final mounting or framing locally.

Option 2 — Flat delivery with reinforced XPS protection

Upon request, the artwork can be delivered flat between reinforced rigid XPS panels. This option protects the canvas against folding, pressure, impact and humidity.

Optional complimentary framing

Subject to availability, the gallery can also offer professional mounting and a frame selected from its available options. The collector may contact the gallery through Catawiki messaging to choose the preferred presentation.

If the artwork is mounted or framed by the gallery, it will automatically be shipped flat in reinforced XPS protection.

The final presentation, available frame colour and external dimensions will be confirmed with the collector before preparation.

Professional packaging and DHL Express delivery

Whichever option is selected, the artwork will be carefully protected using:

Soft, non-abrasive protective surface paper
Reinforced edge and corner protection when shipped flat
Rigid XPS panels for flat delivery
A professional telescopic tube for rolled delivery
Strong external packaging
Certificate and gallery documentation packed separately

Shipping will be handled by DHL Express, with professional tracking and insurance.

The collector is invited to communicate the preferred delivery and presentation option through Catawiki messaging immediately after purchase. If no preference is communicated, the artwork will be shipped unmounted in the complimentary professional telescopic tube.

Abstract Art Gallery provides lifetime after-sales assistance, including advice regarding mounting, framing, installation, conservation and future maintenance.

A dramatic and sophisticated original artwork for collectors seeking contemporary abstraction, mineral colours and a powerful dialogue between darkness, movement and emerging light.