Born in Dugny, France, to Algerian parents, Kader Attia spent his formative years between France and Algeria. His work gained significant international attention for its rigorous investigation into the physical and psychological scars left by historical trauma and colonial history.

Attia works across a diverse range of media, including sculpture, photography, video, and installation. A central theme in his practice is the concept of repair, which he examines through both aesthetic and philosophical lenses, often juxtaposing traditional artifacts with modern medical or architectural interventions.

His work has been featured in major global exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and Documenta. He continues to be a prominent voice in contemporary art, frequently engaging with institutional critique and the ethics of cultural restitution.