Amid the walls of the virtual world, where cries of hunger intersect with the echoes of shelling in El Fasher, western Sudan, and children wander through the alleys of deprivation, art flutters like a ray of light in the darkness—on phone and computer screens—transforming color into language, the brush into a bridge, and the canvas into a message of resilience carried across the ether, proclaiming that creativity never dies, and that beauty can mend shattered hearts and plant hope in the depths of despair.
In a solidarity initiative under the slogan “Our Hearts with Sultan’s El Fasher”, the General Union of Sudanese Visual Artists organized an online exhibition in support of the people of El Fasher, who face catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to bombardment, hunger, and the absence of life’s basic needs. Visual artists united their voices in a humanitarian call that transcends borders and distances, turning pain into vision and painting darkness with colors of hope.
Stories of the People
More than 100 Sudanese visual artists created works portraying the stories of people under bombardment and their journeys of displacement in search of safety and family protection, along with tales of destruction, loss, death, hunger, pain, patience, resilience, and despair. Some artists offered visual depictions of El Fasher as both a cradle of historical identity and a city resisting siege and marginalization. The tragedy of El Fasher drew the attention of many Sudanese artists abroad, who contributed distinctive works in diverse styles, including direct paintings and illustrative posters echoing artists’ voices—since the very name El Fasher itself is enough to draw attention and revive belonging.
Humanitarian Solidarity
In this context, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Visual Artists Union, Issam Abdelhafiz, said:
“Throughout Sudan’s modern history, visual artists have been at the forefront of all national and societal causes, shaping the country’s visual consciousness through many experiences, workshops, and collective efforts. Cultural events in Khartoum testify to the Union’s initiatives in times of crisis, especially during the drought and desertification of the 1980s, as well as the study trips that enriched our artistic practice across Sudan.”
He added:
“This step responds to the messages of resilience sent by artist Salah Ibrahim from the heart of suffering, embodying the historic role of Sudanese art in accompanying national struggle—from its beginnings through the December Revolution. This moment is not just an act of solidarity, but a historic opportunity to unify Sudanese artists and send a humanitarian message to the world.”
Abdelhafiz pointed out that “the history of Sudanese visual artists is vast. The most recent experience was last year’s ‘No to War and Against Hate Speech’ exhibition, which featured over 100 artists worldwide. With the worsening suffering in El Fasher, artists once again rallied to support the people of Sudan—this being their continued role: humanitarian support, away from war, hatred, and racism.”
He continued:
“More than 100 Sudanese artists from across the globe participated in this virtual exhibition with diverse approaches—illustrative posters, direct paintings, and unique concepts reflecting their varied artistic experiences.”
The Secretary-General explained that “the idea behind the artworks centers on solidarity with El Fasher’s residents and amplifying the voice of humanitarian suffering in all Sudanese cities and regions. Hence, the artists rallied to express themselves through their only weapon—art—in its different forms.”
The Voice of Color
Former Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Sudan University, artist Abdelrahman Shanqal, described the “Our Hearts with Sultan’s El Fasher” initiative as not merely a virtual exhibition, but a “magical moment where blood and wonder intersect, allowing the canvas to transcend fabric and touch the human soul, declaring that art stands as it always has against violence; that the voice of color is louder than any scream; and that Sudan’s heart still beats with creativity, resistance, and pride.”
