As the Sama Gazette was created by Max Dana, an artist herself, we had to also mention Art in our coverage of what is currently happening in Sudan on ‘En Route To Sudan’. So today we are glad to introduce you to Sudanese artist Ahmed Abushariaa, born in 1966 in Sudan and graduated in fine and applied arts from Sudan University, Khartoum in 1990.

An introduction to Abushariaa’s paintings by Prof. Elimo Njau, Director, Paa Ya Paa Arts Centre Nairobi, Kenya.

At a glance, his work is rich with decorative symbols and profuse imagery flowing from fertile imagination. His semi-abstract style appeals internationally to the art world of today and yet, as you look closer after enjoying some of his rich colors and original compositions, you code of symbols and images and occasional Arabic calligrapy. Like all art or poetry of depth, there are often symbols or images that reveal or conceal ethnic or personal secrets. Abushariaa is an inspiring poet with his brush. I have often watched him reluctantly interpret his work to a few of his patrons from the west. I believe Africa still has many secrets, spiritual and cultural symbols and expressions that have yet to be understood by the outside world. I hope through Abushariaa’s work that more and more people from outside will be attracted to discover Africa’s secret world.

Abushariaa‘s work is about decorative symbols, calligraphy, historical motifs; see slideshow. You can learn more on AfricanColours (read our Twitter Sunday about the website): Dirty Faces of War: Abusharia’s Grand Anti-Darfur War Exhibition.  Ahmed Abushariaa has permanent exhibitions in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and South Africa, and has exhibited in Canada, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Australia and Germany.

Sudan has great artists and we think it is important to mention them, as Sudan is not ‘only’ about war and economic interests. More about other Sudanese artists soon!

Illustration: ‘The Birth of The Light’ 1995, Mixed Media on Paper, 103 x 83 cm. Website.