Sudanese Artists Seek Refuge and Healing Through Art Amid Conflict
In 2023, artist Galal Yousif fled Sudan as conflict erupted, capturing the turmoil in his painting “Man With a Heavy Heart.” Forced to leave with minimal belongings, he recreated the artwork in Kenya, symbolizing the losses in the eight-month conflict. Yousif, now in Nairobi, aims to turn personal experiences into a collective narrative through his art, shedding light on the toll of a “useless war.
The conflict, ignited by a power struggle among ruling generals, has displaced around seven million people. Yousif, who experienced the chaos firsthand in Khartoum, evacuated to Nairobi, where he joined a community of Sudanese artists. Despite a warm welcome, they face challenges with asylum, documentation, and income.
Khartoum’s art scene, including Yousif’s studio, lies in ruins, with numerous artworks lost. Curator Rahiem Shadad, now in Nairobi, has organized exhibitions to support Sudanese artists. However, challenges persist, including trauma and financial difficulties.
Artist Tibian Bahari, determined to keep Sudan’s spirit alive through her art, faces emotional struggles. She wears the traditional jalabiya daily, feeling a responsibility to truthfully depict the journey of displacement and provide space for Sudan’s women artists.
Many artists were part of the civilian protest movement that led to the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019. However, dreams were shattered as the country descended into war. Recent fighting has escalated, affecting Yousif’s family in Rufa’ah. Despite global attention on conflicts like Gaza, Sudan’s plight often goes unnoticed.
Yousif, deeply affected by the recent attacks on his family, describes a city under siege, with residents virtually imprisoned. His painting, “Man With a Heavy Heart,” reflects the ongoing pain. As Sudanese artists strive to rebuild their lives, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict Source :BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67781705