Article written by Faten Fellah- Fee. Published on 03 May 2025.
Born in 1993 in Sousse,Dora Hichri is a captivate visual artist whose work lies at the intersection of science and art. She currently teaches fine arts at the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts in Sidi Bouzid. Holder of a doctorate in aesthetics and art practice, her academic path reflects a deep commitment to both conceptual rigor and experimental creation.
Dora Hichri, a passionate visual artist, blurs the edges between art and science through a methodical and innovative creative process. Her research into digital imagery has led her to exhibit her work at major events in Tunisia, such as “MISE EN LUMIÈRE” in Tunis and “UTOPIES VISUELLES” in Sousse.
In 2016–2017, Dora played a key role as assistant to the artistic direction of the project “Les yeux de l’ouïe” at the civil prison of Mahdia, where she demonstrated her ability to merge art with complex social contexts. This experience enriched her artistic practice, which is characterized by meticulous research and constant experimentation.
“A visual world where the boundaries between the visible and the invisible dissolve, creating a new dimension of perception.”
A symbiosis between art and science-
The artist takes on the role of a scientist, meticulously exploring translucent textures through detailed microscopic captures. Like a lab technician, she renders the invisible visible. Dora’s creative process begins with in-depth observation and study of the materials and subjects of her art, followed by laboratory tests to understand how various variables affect visual outcomes. She then moves into the creation phase, combining scientific knowledge with
artistic intuition to produce works that are both aesthetically compelling and intellectually stimulating.
Working with materials such as oil, water, and salt, she demonstrates a deep understanding of the physical and chemical properties of these substances and how they can be manipulated to produce intriguing visual effects. She transforms into a scientist when she undertakes meticulous explorations of translucent textures through detailed microscopic images. Using a variety of liquids such as oil, water, and salt, she seeks to make the invisible visible, closely observing how external factors such as heat influence the results of her experiments. This approach allows her to develop a deep understanding of her materials’ physical and chemical properties—essential for the creation of her fascinating works. Each artistic project for Dora is an intellectual and aesthetic adventure.
Guided by her scientific curiosity and artistic intuition, she begins with thorough observation and meticulous studies of the materials she uses. These preliminary phases are crucial to understanding how environmental and material variables influence the form and final aesthetics of her installations and videographic works.
Once this phase of observation and research is complete, Dora moves on to the actual creation process. She skillfully combines her scientific findings with her artistic talent, incorporating advanced techniques such as video projection and video mapping. These technologies allow her to create complex and captivating visual effects, enriching the
viewer’s sensory experience.
Numerical artistic compositions-
Dora Hichri’s works demonstrate visual intensity and a capacity to provoke deep reflection on visual perception and human interactions with the material environment. By incorporating microscopic images, Dora reveals world’s invisible to the naked eye. These images are enlarged and integrated into her installations, creating a striking contrast between the micro and the macro. The details of salt crystals, for instance, are projected on a large scale, transforming minute structures into breathtaking visual landscapes.
Dora’s works often feature textured projections where surfaces are overlaid with moving images. Colors and shapes shift and metamorphose, creating a visual experience in constant evolution. Viewers are invited to move around the installations to see how the images transform from different angles.
The use of light and color is central in Dora’s work. She manipulates light sources to create interplay between shadows and highlights, enhancing the details and textures of the projected images. Chromatic transitions add an emotional dimension to the works, influencing the viewer’s perception and interpretation.