Salim Zerrouki, born in Algiers in 1978, is an Algerian author-illustrator renowned for his provocative style and unsettling humor.
After studying graphic design at the School of Fine Arts in Algiers, Zerrouki spent a decade in advertising before finding his true calling in satirical art.
The Tunisian revolution of 2011 sparked Zerrouki's political engagement. He launched "Yahia Boulahia," a caricature blog featuring a Salafist character issuing absurd fatwas, as a critique of rising political Islam.
This set the tone for his future work, which often blends dark humor with sharp social commentary.
Zerrouki's artistic repertoire includes graphic novels that tackle complex issues. "How to Get Rid of Us for a Better World" (2018) offers a satirical take on Maghreb societies, while "How to Succeed in Illegal Migration" (2021) criticizes European migration policies.
His latest work, "Rwama" (2024), delves into Algeria's political and religious landscape from 1975 to 2000 through a personal lens.
Throughout his career, Zerrouki has focused on themes of migration, borders, identity, and racism.
His work experiments with using art and humor to express and deconstruct these challenging topics.
Salim Zerrouki continues to challenge societal norms through his provocative art, establishing himself as a significant voice in political satire and independent comics in the Maghreb region and beyond.
