Exiled Sudanese artists, including Rashid Diab and Yasmeen Abdullah, reflect on the destruction of their vibrant art scene amidst the ongoing civil war. They emphasize the importance of preserving Sudanese culture and identity through their art, even while displaced. Their work serves as a testament to resilience and hope in challenging times, highlighting that Sudan is more than its conflict—it is a nation rich in creativity and thought.
In a poignant video call from Madrid, Rashid Diab, a prominent Sudanese painter, and art historian, reflects on Sudan’s art scene, devastated by the ongoing civil war since April 2023. Together with his son, Yafil Mubarak, the two discuss the essence of being “real Sudanese” and the importance of national pride amidst exile. They express the deep emotional turmoil of losing memories and an increasingly fragile connection to their homeland.
The onset of the civil war has obliterated the nascent art scene in Sudan. Prior to the conflict, Khartoum was flourishing with galleries and burgeoning institutions, and plans for a National Museum of Art were in motion. The war has resulted in the destruction or abandonment of these spaces, leaving a lasting impact on artists and the preservation of their work.
The Downtown Gallery, established in 2019, had been a beacon for Sudanese art, housing over 500 paintings, including those by both established and emerging artists. Founder Rahiem Shadad reports a loss of 60 to 80 paintings from the gallery, with an estimation that thousands of artworks have been lost nationwide, particularly older pieces without any digital records.
Artists now face displacement, with more than 12.5 million Sudanese compelled to flee due to the conflict. Yasmeen Abdullah, a graphic designer and mother, fled Khartoum while pregnant, emphasizing her resilience through her art, even during dark times. Abdullah’s work, infused with the influences of Sudanese poetry, captures surreal scenes laden with personal memories and hopes for her child’s future.
Ala Kheir, another Sudanese artist, found an outlet through photography, focusing on the diversity of Sudan beyond its troubled image in the media. He founded The Other Vision (TOV) for photographic education before shifting its focus to documenting the war’s impact. Kheir underscores the need for human stories to be told amidst political strife, as foreign journalists frequently overlook the cultural context.
Diab questions the nature of creating “African art” while in exile, yet his work embodies the essence of Sudanese life through vibrant depictions of daily rituals. Reflecting on his lost cultural space, the Rashid Diab Arts Centre, he articulates the ongoing struggle faced by many artists who intimately connect with Sudan despite physical separation.
Yasmin Elnour, a Sudanese artist based in London, expresses her identity through collages that explore the theme of displacement. Her work reflects a longing for a physical connection to Nubia, inviting broader reflections on identity. Elnour’s statement, questioning whether identity requires a physical home, speaks to the collective experience of many exiled artists.
Ultimately, Sudanese artists in exile continue to create, emphasizing their role as cultural ambassadors for their home nation. Mubarak succinctly states, “We can show the world that Sudan is more than endless civil war and bloodshed. We are thinkers, we are creators, we have philosophy, we have art.” Their commitment to preserving Sudanese heritage and culture endures, even amid adversity.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to a devastating decline in the country’s art scene, displacing countless artists and destroying cultural institutions. Despite their exile, Sudanese artists like Rashid Diab, Yasmeen Abdullah, and Ala Kheir continue to highlight the richness of their cultural heritage through their work. They strive to maintain a narrative that extends beyond conflict, reflecting resilience, identity, and the ongoing hope for a better future for Sudan. As cultural ambassadors, they assert that Sudan embodies more than turmoil; it is a land of creativity and profound artistic expression.
Original Source: www.artnews.com
