El Seed’s New Project “Tacapae” Brings Arabic Calligraphy to Olive Oil Bottles
French-Tunisian artist El Seed is known for his unique take on Arabic calligraphy, which he often combines with graffiti to create stunning artworks. From favelas in Brazil to buildings in Cairo, his work has left a mark on diverse landscapes, spreading messages of human connection through quotes from influential writers and philosophers.
In a surprising departure from his usual large-scale projects, El Seed recently launched his most intimate endeavor yet – “Tacapae.” This project features olive oil-filled bottles adorned with his signature swirling calligraphy. The brand’s name is inspired by the ancient Greek name for Gabes, El Seed’s hometown in southern Tunisia, where the olive oil is sourced.
“I didn’t want to make it about myself,” El Seed explains at his Dubai studio in Alserkal Avenue. “I’m the founder, but the goal is to collaborate with different artists each year to design a new bottle. It’s a partnership.”
The idea for Tacapae came about when El Seed learned of a plot of land for sale in Gabes, where his great-grandfather had planted olive trees. He purchased the land, and now the trees provide the oil for his project. Each bottle is personally hand-finished by the artist, with a total of 31 bottles paying tribute to the land’s original 31 trees.
The most striking feature of the handmade ceramic bottles is the quote El Seed chose to adorn them with. Translated from a quote by American novelist John Dos Passos, it reads: “You can snatch a man from his country but not the country from a man’s heart.” These words hold special significance for El Seed, reflecting his own connection to Tunisia despite living in different countries throughout his life.
“No one can take away the memories you carry for a place,” El Seed reflects. “Tunisia is always with me, no matter where I am in the world.”